The Safety of Objects (2001)

A series of overlapping stories about four suburban families dealing with different maladies. Esther Gold's life is consumed by caring for her comatose son; Jim Train is sent into a ... See full summary »

Director:

Rose Troche

Writers:

A.M. Homes (book), Rose Troche (screenplay)

Stars:

Glenn Close, Dermot Mulroney, Mary Kay Place

3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Glenn Close	...	Esther Gold
Dermot Mulroney	...	Jim Train
Jessica Campbell	...	Julie Gold
Patricia Clarkson	...	Annette Jennings
Joshua Jackson	...	Paul Gold
Moira Kelly	...	Susan Train
Robert Klein	...	Howard Gold
Timothy Olyphant	...	Randy
Mary Kay Place	...	Helen Christianson
Kristen Stewart	...	Sam Jennings
Alex House	...	Jake Train
Charlotte Arnold	...	Sally Christianson
Andrew Airlie	...	Bruce Jennings
Stephanie Anne Mills	...	Karen (as Stephanie Mills)
Angela Vint	...	Tina

Storyline

A series of overlapping stories about four suburban families dealing with different maladies. Esther Gold's life is consumed by caring for her comatose son; Jim Train is sent into a tailspin when he's passed over for a promotion; Annette Jennings' family is struggling in the wake of her divorce; Helen Christianson is determined to shake up her mundane life.

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Plot Keywords:

watching tv | train | divorce | f rated | mother daughter conflict | 

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Taglines:

A powerful story intertwining the lives of four neighboring families as they struggle to understand each other and, ultimately, themselves.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content and language

Details

Country:

UK USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 2003 (UK)

Also Known As:

La seguridad de los objetos

Filming Locations:

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$86,250, 9 March 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$319,125, 22 June 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

Renaissance Films, Vulcan Productions, Infilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kristen Stewart's film debut.

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Goofs

In the opening credits when the families are being listed, the Jennings family is listed as "The Jennings." The correct plural is "The Jenningses."

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Quotes

Julie Gold: [about the car accident] I just want it out of my head!

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Connections

Spoofs Hands on a Hardbody: The Documentary (1997)

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Soundtracks

Relapse
Written by Michael Cavadias, Charles Nieland and Barb Morrison
Performed by Kristen Stewart and Bullet

User Reviews

Better than the 'B' our local newspaper critic gave it

The Safety of Objects was Altman-like in its intertwining of stories but without the messy overlay of voices and sound. The connections among the families in a suburban neighborhood created an interesting tension, as crucial information and backstory emerged. Watch how short stories from a collection are woven to make a quilt about life in the burbs (and the secret life of kids, as well as couples)

What I especially found provocative in this film was how some dangerous situations turned out as one would expect, but others teetered on the edge of 'Oh, no,' yet were resolved without harm.