The Safety of Objects (2001)

Meet four neighboring, suburban families, each with their own problems.

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:

What do you hold on to when your world turns upside down?

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content and language

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

Sam Jennings: [to Randy] You know, uhm... When my mom and dad were first getting divorced, I would always pretend not to hear my dad call up to me to say good-bye. 'Cause I always thought he'd stay longer. If... he couldn't actually say it to me, you know? Maybe it's like that for you. Bye.

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Connections

Spoofs Hands on a Hardbody: The Documentary (1997)

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Soundtracks

Paul's Song
Written by Michael Cavadias, Barb Morrison and Charles Nieland

User Reviews

Suburbia is everywhere

There has been much talk of how the film represents (or apparently misrepresents) the American psyche but you don't have to be an American to empathise, or indeed sympathise, with these characters. Like it or not, all families are dysfunctional; we are all damaged in some way and that is the beauty of this film. I may not be a manic depressive, masturbate comatosed boys or have had a questionable relationship with my Barbies but life can be 'distasteful', 'brooding', 'pervy', 'joyless' and 'selfish' just as much as it can be wonderful, uplifting and compassionate. No, not every American suburban family are as impaired as these, nor as a Brit do I see a mirror of myself watching Eastenders or Coronation Street. It's just one point of view and I think Rose Troche has handled such social nuances sensitively and with care. I'm not saying the film is perfect. However, complaining because it makes disturbing or uncomfortable viewing smacks of it hitting a nerve.... If you're seeking a no-brainer, go and see the latest Seann William Scott flick. But if you want an alternative slice of American pie - and a more realistic and universal one at that - feast on this.

Details

Country:

UK USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 2003 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Safety of Objects

Filming Locations:

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$86,250, 9 March 2003

Gross USA:

$319,299

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$453,292

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