Home Room (2002)

A high school shooting has repercussions on the town and students.

Director:

Paul F. Ryan

Writer:

Paul F. Ryan

Stars:

Busy Philipps, Erika Christensen, Victor Garber

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Busy Philipps	...	Alicia Browning
Erika Christensen	...	Deanna Cartwright
Victor Garber	...	Det. Martin Van Zandt
Raphael Sbarge	...	Det. Macready
Ken Jenkins	...	Police Captain
Holland Taylor	...	Dr. Hollander
Arthur Taxier	...	Mr. Browning
James Pickens Jr.	...	Principal Robbins
Constance Zimmer	...	Assistant Kelly
Richard Gilliland	...	Mr. Cartwright
Roxanne Hart	...	Mrs. Cartwright
Agnes Bruckner	...	Cathy
Nathan West	...	James
Theodore Borders	...	Terrance
Ben Gould	...	Doug

Storyline

The aftermath of a high school shooting leaves Deanna Cartwright seriously wounded and nine others dead, including the perpetrator. Det. Martin Van Zandt is assigned the unenviable task of investigating the crime and finding someone to hold responsible. His attention settles on Alicia Browning, a darkly troubled outsider who, as the only person present throughout the entire incident, is both the key witness and a possible suspect. Further complicating her isolated existence, Alicia's high school principal compels her to pay a reluctant visit on the still-hospitalized Deanna. Privileged and popular, Deanna differs dramatically from the alienated Alicia. Yet, beneath an upbeat appearance, she is struggling desperately with the emotional and physical scars left by the attack. Over the next few days, united by nothing more than their common suffering, the two young women form an unlikely friendship to cope with the tragic events that threaten to overwhelm them.

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Plot Keywords:

high school | shooting | post traumatic stress disorder | lesbian kiss | high school graduation | 

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Taglines:

A senseless tragedy. An unlikely friendship. A search for answers.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some violent images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 April 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Barátnők a bajban

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Homeroom LLC

Technical Specs

Runtime:

133 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In his book "Schlock Value," film critic Richard Roeper discusses this film as a prime example of what he calls a "lost film" - a movie (often excellent) which does not get strong enough backing from the studio and is either swept aside or goes straight to video.

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Goofs

When Principal Robbins opens the locker for Detective Van Zandt, the locker has a keyed combination dial on it. When Van Zandt slams the locker shut, the dial is missing and there are holes in the door where it was moments before.

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Quotes

Deanna Cartwright: [talking about Dr. Hollander] Anyway, I have a much higher IQ then she does
Alicia Browning: You're IQ doesn't mean a goddamn thing in the world

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Connections

References Late Show with David Letterman (1993)

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Soundtracks

"Sweet Surrender"
by Sarah McLachlan

User Reviews

What a surprise!

What a surprise; two outstanding performances by the lead actresses in this film. This is the best work Busy Phillips has ever done and the best from Erika Christensen since Traffic. This film certainly should be in Oscar contention. See this movie!