Ordinary People

Starring: Donald Sutherland; Mary Tyler Moore; Timothy Hutton & Judd Hirsch Director: Robert Redford  Rated:

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
• Dolby Digital Mono - English
• Dolby Digital Mono - French

Additional Release Material:

• Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer

Interactive Features:

• Interactive Menus
• Scene Selection

Major Awards:

Academy Awards - Best Picture (1980)

Academy Awards - Best Supporting Actor (1980)

Academy Awards - Best Director (1980)

Academy Awards - Best Adapted Screenplay (1980)

Product Description:

Devastated by the loss of their older son, well-to-do suburban couple Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) are trying to rebuild their lives after their younger son, Conrad (Timothy Hutton), attempts suicide. While Beth, who always favored the elder son, retreats into an icy, emotionless shell, Calvin tries to draw Conrad back into the family and into life as a teenager. Conrad sings in the choir and returns to the swim team, but both his brother's death and his own experiences traumatize him. Conrad reluctantly begins therapy sessions with Berger (Judd Hirsch), which allow him some respite from the unbearable grief and guilt he carries with him. As Conrad makes strides, Calvin realizes that he no longer knows his wife and is both saddened and angered by how seemingly emotionless she has become. A classic portrait of family life in the face of tragedy, Robert Redford's award-winning directorial debut is moving and thought provoking. Based on the novel by Judith Guest, the film features the debuts of Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern as well as breakthrough performances from Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland.

Plot Synopsis:

With the pain from the death of their older son still fresh, Calvin and Beth try to help their remaining son, Conrad, recover from a suicide attempt. Overcome with guilt and grief related to his brother's death, Conrad tries to return to the life of a normal high school student but finds it difficult, with memories of his brother surrounding him and the coldness his mother exhibits almost unbearable.

Plot Keywords:

Drama | Essential Cinema | Family Interaction | Psychodrama | Recommended | Tear Jerker | Theatrical Release

Production Notes:

• ORDINARY PEOPLE marked the film debuts of actors Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern.
• This film marked Robert Redford's film-directing debut. Redford bought Judith Guest's first, unpublished novel for this film.
• Mary Tyler Moore's son committed suicide a month after the film's release.
• Patrick Markey (now a producer) was location manager.

Cast and Crew: