Silent Fall

An autistic boy appears to be the only witness to a murder. Because of the boy's inability to communicate with others, a child psychiatrist must work with the child to solve the crime. I presume that the film's "take" on autism is at least reasonably accurate. But, as a murder mystery, the film was a disappointment. There just isn't that much to the story, which contains large amounts of filler. The plot is contrived. And the film's pace is very slow.

One gets the impression that the real purpose of the film is to "teach", or tutor, viewers on the subject of autism. I have no problem with that, except that by using a vulnerable child as a major character, the film becomes manipulative, in that it uses the child to invoke a sympathetic response from viewers.

The film's music, costumes, and production design are fine. Ben Faulkner, as the little boy, does a fine job in a difficult role. Other actors also give credible performances. But Richard Dreyfuss, as the psychiatrist, is dreadfully miscast. An older actor with a more refined persona would have been more believable.

If you have an interest in autism, "Silent Fall" is worth watching. And the film does have moments of suspense, especially toward the end. But the film lacks the complexity and depth to be a truly entertaining whodunit.

This movie had it all...a chilling plot...great actors and superb conclusion...I was on pins and needles throughout the whole movie...I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is in for the most captivating movie ever...I give this movie 5 stars out of 4...

Tim's aversion to round things is due to his allergic reaction to meatballs, causing his autism. He is, in fact, Robin Williams, but is trapped inside a child's body, though without any decline in his vocal talents. Arwen's elfish potential crashes on the shoals of righteous violence, leaving Dr. Rainer, ze shrink, to ponder, "I sink, zerefore I am".

In the end, Groucho, Ms. Hamilton (Margaret, that is) and Robin Williams go on a candy-seeking expedition. A treat: we get to hear Robin's real voice.

I had never heard of this movie until my hated aunt gave it to me for Christmas.

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).

I like mystery tales, and this one is very good. The music is very accurate with all the scenes, and yes, I feel transported to this inner boy world. Very Strange Things happen in this movie, but yes, I think kind of things like this happen in reality, even worst. At least in Mexico all the time happens wild things with people more than in nature by itself. The actors plays their roles very well. Since long time ago, I didn't see Richard Dreyfuss, and was a pleasure for me, to see this actor again. Linda Hamilton had a very short role, but Liv Tyler is awesome. Maybe sometimes sounds like illogical, specially when the witness boy, make all this voices. Looks like unreal, but maybe this could happen. Anyway, I found this movie, because I'm always looking for Stewart Copeland music, since many years ago...