Silent Fall

This film has received very little recognition and I guess that is why I never heard of it till I saw it despite the fact that it had quite a few big stars in it.

Liv Tyler stars in one of earliest film roles in this movie and has made quite an impression, which is no wonder why she is as famous as she is now.

Judging by the name I thought that this was a thriller or horror movie, however I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and the depth of the story. Autism isn't something that we are all familiar with but like "Mercury Rising" this film shows the audience what autism can seriously do to those unfortunate enough to live with it.

A murder mystery and drama this film does start out slow but do not hesitate because it does eventually become quite intriguing to watch just how the story unfolds, so if anyone likes a good mystery detective movie this is the one for you.

I had many doubts about viewing this film after all the negative reviews that it was given. But I was intrigued by the story line and I did not want this movie to end. I found it to be filled with suspense, and it sure kept me guessing. And it was a delight to see newcomer Liv Tyler do a great job.

I would recommend this film, but then everyone is entitled to their opinion.

This genteel retelling and moving film starts with a double murder of a parents , being witnessed by autistic little boy son, named Tim Warden(Faulkner), he's overprotected by adolescent sister Sylvie(Liv Tyler). Retired therapist Jake(Richard Dreyfuss), married to good spouse(Linda Cameron), is reluctant to get involved, but he's deemed guilty because a little autistic in his care committed suicide, though he was acquitted . But when rival Dr. Harlinger(John Lighgow) is called instead, Jakes takes the little boy for learning. Traumatized Tim is a nine-years-old kid with damage psyche but plenty of extraordinaries faculties, as he imitates language of people. Jake whose patience and perseverance finally enable Tim to learn to communicate and resolve the murders.

The film depicts the unconventional method the psychiatrist used to help the autistic adjust to the world and shows the relationship that build between the two courageous starring. The dysfunctional and breakthrough relation among Tim and Jake carries strong emotional power and intense, moving experience. Actors interpretation is good, Richard Dreyfuss as affected and obstinate therapist, J. T. Walsh as sheriff that investigates the deeds and Liv Tyler and Faulkner in their film debut. Interesting script with a final full of lurid turns, red herrings and plot twists by Akiva Goldsman.Sensible and perceptible musical score by Stewart Copeland. Luxurious and colorful cinematography by cameraman Peter James.

The motion picture is professionally directed by Bruce Beresford. He's a cool Australian(Braker Morant)director, working in Hollywood and achieving hits(Double jeopardy,Crimes of the heart,Tender mercies), winning Academy Award (Driving Miss Daisy) and flops (King David ,Mister Johnson, Silent fall).

(1994) Silent Fall PSYCHOLOGICAL MYSTERY

Parents are found dead with the only survivors found are their two kids who are the older teenage daughter Sylvie played by Liv Tyler and her 7 or 8 year old autistic son Tim(Ben Faulkner). Here comes criminal psychologist Dr. Jake Rainer (Richard Dreyfuss) who has a PHd in dealing with mentally challenged children and is supposed to be retired but one his best friends Sheriff Mitch Rivers ( J. T. Walsh ) encourages his social skills to help him solve it by helping Tim to recall the events that lead up to their parents death since he may have been a witness for the whole ordeal. And because he's like 100% autistic, Dr. Jake is the only person who can expose this by reasonable means instead of using drugs and other experimental tactics used by his radical associate Dr. Rene Harlinger played by John Lithgow.

I was totally sucked up to this movie because their isn't many films that focuses on "autistic" children to solve a case, for I think this film is the first. The procedures for which this film has showed is at times quite enlightening since we the viewers may have suspect who had done it, but at the same time don't quite know how it's done until the very end. The movie also stars Linda Hamilton as Karen Rainer as Jake's wife.

I never thought I'd find a movie about Autism so interesting. At first it wasn't what I'd expected. Going by the cover I'd imagined it was going to be very spooky. After about 5 minutes I wanted to turn it off, but I'm glad I sat through it. The story is about a murder, but starts out a little slow. Gradually it becomes more dramatic and thought provoking as it reaches the end. YOU'VE GOT TO WATCH THIS PICTURE THROUGH TO THE END. It will stay in your mind for a very long time. The little boy, (Tim) Ben Faulkner is a brilliant actor. I haven't been able to find him in another movie and I don't understand why.He's great!!!

At the very least I'd give this movie a 6.5/10.