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Marvin's Room
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Marvin's Room (1996) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.6/10   8,562 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 5% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Jerry Zaks
Writers (WGA):
Scott McPherson (play)
Scott McPherson (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Marvin's Room on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
8 February 1997 (Japan) more
Genre:
Comedy | Drama more
Tagline:
A story about the years that keep us apart... And the moments that bring us together. more
Plot:
A leukemia patient attempts to end a 20-year feud with her sister to get her bone marrow. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Photo Flash: Marvin's Room Opens 5/1 At The Catonsville Theatre Company
 (From BroadwayWorld.com. 15 April 2009, 11:32 PM, PDT)

Jeff Beal: Who Do You Love
 (From Upcoming Film Scores. 27 August 2008, 1:47 AM, PDT)

User Comments:
The screenplay is really the star of this film. more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Meryl Streep ... Lee

Leonardo DiCaprio ... Hank

Diane Keaton ... Bessie

Robert De Niro ... Dr. Wally

Hume Cronyn ... Marvin

Gwen Verdon ... Ruth
Hal Scardino ... Charlie

Dan Hedaya ... Bob
Margo Martindale ... Dr. Charlotte

Cynthia Nixon ... Retirement Home Director

Kelly Ripa ... Coral
John Callahan ... Lance

Olga Merediz ... Beauty Shop Lady
Joe Lisi ... Bruno

Steve DuMouchel ... Gas Station Guy (as Steve Dumouchel)
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief language.
Runtime:
98 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Sigourney Weaver, Anjelica Huston and Kathleen Turner were all considered for the role ultimately played by Diane Keaton. more
Goofs:
Continuity: As Meryl Streep’s character is packing her suitcase in a hurry, she grabs an article of clothing off the wall and the clock can be seen falling. In the next scene she is grabbing another article of clothing off the wall and the clock is back in place. more
Quotes:
Lee: We're going to see your Aunt Bessie in Florida. She's not feeling so well.
Hank: I didn't even knew I had an Aunt Bessie.
Lee: She came to the house right after your Dad and I were married.
Hank: I wasn't even born yet.
Lee: Oh.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin/Tina Turner (#22.14)" (1997) more
Soundtrack:
The Green Danube more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
15 out of 17 people found the following comment useful:-
The screenplay is really the star of this film., 15 January 2005
9/10
Author: xavrush89 from Illinois, U.S.A.

It's such a wonderful story, not at all as dreary as one would expect. The late Scott McPherson injected so much humor and heart into this film, it's hard not to just go along with it. Diane Keaton got the Oscar nomination, but Meryl Streep's character drives the film, as she works her way back into a family she turned her back on so she could have a life of her own. She was right to do so, as her sister (Keaton) has become consumed with caregiving for her father and aunt, taking absolutely no time out for herself. The film also features a nice departure for Robert De Niro from his typically heavy roles. That alone is worth seeing, and fans of his typical performances should be forced to watch this.

This quiet film may not have enough action for some, but it is far better than most films dealing with serious illness. The journey these sisters begin is something that has been explored in countless TV movies (think Lifetime), but what separates it is the humor and the character development that makes the viewer wish he/she could stay and watch the family long after the film ends. The film also benefits from the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, who gives an unlikely nuanced performance as the older son who develops some character and helps his flighty mother grow along with him. The great thing about his presence in the film is that younger viewers (mostly female, probably) will be more likely to see this movie and get something out of it in the process.

Finally, a word about Gwen Verdon and Hume Cronyn. Their contributions to this film are immeasurable. And as already mentioned, it's great that younger viewers can watch this film and get a last look at them in these touching roles and see how charm never fades with age. Cronyn has little to do but lie ill in bed, yet somehow his character remains a focal point. And Verdon's comic relief pairing with the younger son is a real highlight. She also manages a poignant moment or two in a her scenes with Keaton. This truly is an ensemble piece, and it wouldn't have been without their talent. Why I don't yet own a copy of this sweet film is a mystery.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Marvin's Room (1996)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Only Reason I watched this movie... vash_and_wolfwood
Leo's character reminds me of... tsuki570
Diane Keaton's best performance ... heaintloveu
Leo was never worse pinkfloyd70
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT RIP-OFF drc235
I cried so much I was nearly sick loopylu2008
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