House of Cards (1993)

When Ruth Matthews's husband is killed in a fall at an archaeological dig, her daughter Sally handles her father's death in a very odd manner. As Sally's condition worsens, Ruth takes her ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Lessac

Writers:

Michael Lessac (story), Robert Jay Litz (story),

Stars:

Kathleen Turner, Tommy Lee Jones, Asha Menina

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kathleen Turner	...	Ruth Matthews
Tommy Lee Jones	...	Jake Beerlander
Asha Menina	...	Sally Matthews
Shiloh Strong	...	Michael Matthews
Esther Rolle	...	Adelle
Park Overall	...	Lillian Huber
Michael Horse	...	Stoker
Anne Pitoniak	...	Judge
Joaquín Martínez	...	Selord
Jacqueline Cassell	...	Gloria Miller (as Jacqueline Cassel)
John Henderson	...	Bart Huber
Craig Fuller	...	Ray Huber
Rick Marshall	...	Frank Stearson
Reuben Valiquette Murray	...	Reuben
Emily Russell	...	Emily

Storyline

When Ruth Matthews's husband is killed in a fall at an archaeological dig, her daughter Sally handles her father's death in a very odd manner. As Sally's condition worsens, Ruth takes her to see Jake, an expert in childhood autism. Jake attempts to bring Sally out of her mental disarray through traditional therapy methods, but Ruth takes a different route. She risks her own sanity by attempting to enter her daughter's mind and make sense of the seemingly bizarre things that Sally does, including building a wondrous house of cards.

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Plot Keywords:

card | autism | shamanism | single parent | mother daughter relationship | 

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Taglines:

A Journey That Will Open Your Mind... And Touch Your Heart.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for theme

Details

Country:

USA Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 June 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Before I Wake

Filming Locations:

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$322,871 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&M Films, Penta Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

James Horner's original score is based on his score for the film Where the River Runs Black also a film that involves a child in it's storyline. Intrada Records released a limited edition soundtrack which instantly sold out in a record amount of hours, such as their release of Michael Small's unused score for The China Syndrome had done previously.

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Goofs

Kathleen Turner's character says that all railways in the world have the same gauge which is absolutely not true. Examples: Spain - 5' 6"; Ireland - 5' 3" and 3'; India - 5' 6", 2'6" + 1m; Peru - 3'; Portugal - 5' 5 9/16" (1.1665m) + 1 m; Russia - 5'; East Africa - 1m; Nigeria - 3'6"; Sierra Leone - 2'6"; South Africa - 3'6"; Burma - 1m; Ceylon 5'6" + 2'6".

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Quotes

[first lines from off]
Sally Matthews: Why do people dream?
Selord: To see things better.
Sally Matthews: Where do people come from?
Selord: The gods made them.
Sally Matthews: Where do the gods live?
Selord: They live in every living thing.
Sally Matthews: Why did they make people?
Selord: They were bored. They needed people around to entertain them.
Sally Matthews: Why do the gods let people die?
[...]

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Connections

References TRON (1982)

User Reviews

Brilliant story!

This is one of the best movies I've seen and I'm shocked at the ratings it has received. I found it hidden in the back room at the video store because so few customers were checking it out. I agree that Tommy Lee Jones has been better in other movies but the story is excellent and the portrayal of the story is very well done. Please don't let the ratings keep you from deciding for yourself!