Marvin's Room (1996)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Jerry Zaks

Writers (WGA):

Scott McPherson (play)
Scott McPherson (screenplay)

Release Date:

8 February 1997 (Japan)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

A story about the years that keep us apart... And the moments that bring us together.

Plot:

A leukemia patient attempts to end a 20-year feud with her sister to get her bone marrow.

Plot Keywords:

Leukemia | Doctor | Fire | Transplant | Nursing Home

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Thur. July 16	9:05 AM	TMC
Sun. July 19	10:45 AM	TMC
Mon. July 27	11:10 AM	TMC

Cast

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)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief language.

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | USA:PG-13 (certificate #34951) | South Korea:12 | Australia:M | Argentina:Atp | Austria:6 | Belgium:KT | Finland:S | France:U | Germany:6 (bw) | Mexico:B | Netherlands:AL | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:7 | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Canada:PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA

Company:

Scott Rudin Productions

Trivia:

Sigourney Weaver, Anjelica Huston and Kathleen Turner were all considered for the role ultimately played by Diane Keaton.

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.

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.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin/Tina Turner (#22.14)" (1997)

Soundtrack:

The Green Danube

The screenplay is really the star of this film.

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.