Rabbit Hole

A subject like this requires attention and scrupulousness and it definitely had plenty of both. Based on the book "Rabbit Hole" written by David-Lindsay Abaire, the movie is riveting as far as execution and concept. It's very well organized, it's narrative structure is impressive and it definitely catches you emotionally. The story is about a family, husband (Aaron Eckhart) and wife (Nicole Kidman), that have to deal with the emotional consequences of losing their 4 years old child. In order to free themselves they have to accept the past and move on and also to regain their trust in themselves and recommit to their marriage. The movie is getting real honest approaching the human's allowance to forgiveness when the confrontation between the "broken" family and the one responsible for that finally has place. It might appear to be a simple story but it's not thanks to the patience and passion the director, John Cameron Mitchell, invested in it. Dazzling visually and very inspiring, this movie succeeds to entertain, amaze and replenish it's audience with hope in totality.

Carried not only by it's execution but also by it's memorable Oscar-worthy performances, Rabbit Hole finds himself to be one of the best movies of 2010. Nicole Kidman as the simple Becca, offers one of her best performances in a long time. It's a simply astounding, honest and passionate performance of this weakened but reasonable and powerful woman that must be rewarded by the Academy with at least a nomination if not the award itself. Aaron Eckart does not get over-shadowed by Kidman's performance and proves once again that by portraying Becca's husband, Howie, his acting capabilities exceed our expectations. There are also notable performances by Dianne Wiest as Becca's mother and Miles Teller as the one responsible for the suffered loss.

Visually the movie finds it's own identity in the beautiful palette of colors. The cinematography it's the most you could ask for this kind of movie. There's no need for any other requirements. The most beautiful thing though it's the soundtrack which as simple as it might be... it fits the atmosphere and the story perfectly. Those violin and guitar chords, the little piano rolling in the background create a unique peaceful mood.

What I do want at the end of my review is to recommend this movie to anyone because it's simple but stunning, it's usual but complex, carried by three overwhelming performances. This is without a doubt one of the best movies released this year.

Following on from his first two audacious features in the niche of queer cinema, John Cameron Mitchell now enters relatively mainstream waters to bring us Rabbit Hole, adapted by David Lindsay-Abaire from his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It's a quiet, contemplative film, brimming with sadness and humor, and lead by a wonderful central performance.

Nicole Kidman returns to the theme that first brought her to international attention - that of a mother grieving the loss of a child, and the emotional aftermath that such a trauma entails. Of course in the two decades since Dead Calm was released, Kidman has explored of multitude roles and worked with some of the finest directors in the industry. She has gained such an authority on screen - yet somehow, here, she manages to strip away all of our preconceptions so that we are left with something as raw and natural as she was opposite Sam Neil at the age of 21. This is her most fully-rounded character and detailed performance in years - nimble, layered and completely magnetic.

Becca's journey with her husband Howie (Aaron Eckhart), eight months after the tragic accident that killed their son, is beautifully captured by Cameron Mitchell's lens. Despite the film's stage origins, the story never feels too talky or confined, shots are simple yet beautifully composed, the editing and pace have a fluid rhythm. The couple's facade of normalcy - making dinners, attending pious bereavement groups and keeping up appearances with friends and neighbors, begins to crack as the mementos of their son's life disappear. Becca gives his clothes to goodwill and takes his paintings off the fridge, she accidentally deletes a video of him playing on a swing - causing a distraught reaction in Howie. The difference in the way this couple deals with the loss is compelling, and the friction between them palpable outside of the few explosive scenes.

Their disconnect becomes more and more apparent, and Eckhart plays it with a wounded humanity that's really effective. Howie wishes they could "get back on track" and perhaps try for another baby, something which Becca is not prepared to do. Instead he starts hanging out with Gabby, a woman from their bereavement group, played by the always reliable Sandra Oh. Meanwhile prickly moments between Becca and her irresponsible sister Izzy (Tammy Blanchard) are very well played and Dianne Wiest provides a lot of warmth and wisdom as Becca's mother, but doesn't really get a defining moment. Becca both yearns to escape the reminders of her grief and seeks closure and solace in her pursuit of Jason, the young man who accidentally ran over her son. This strand of the story, exploring the idea of parallel universes and fate, gives the story a unique edge and Miles Teller is easily the stand out of the supporting cast.

Ultimately what gives this film its power is that Mitchell's focus is always fiercely rooted in the reality of the situation, side-stepping the potential sentimentality of the subject - biting humor undercuts the sorrow and there certain moments of confrontation between Becca, Howie and Jason that strike quite a visceral chord. The scenes on the bench between Kidman and Teller contain moments of such purity and depth as to be heartbreaking - and to me, the final montage is one of the most sublime and emotionally resonant endings of the past decade. I can't recommend the film enough, and if there's any justice in the world Kidman will finally be recognized again by the Academy.

Greetings again from the darkness. It would be very easy to dismiss this film as a depressing story or a real downer for the holiday season. Admittedly, the timing of its release is a bit odd, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a very well made and extremely well acted film. This is a character study in dealing with grief ... the breathless grief of losing a young child. The story is told with respect, warmth and even touches of humor.

Based on the acclaimed play from David Lindsay-Abaire, director John Cameron Mitchell stays true to the individuals within the story. Nicole Kidman plays Becca, who is married to Howie (Aaron Eckhart). The couple are 8 months removed from the death of their 4 year old son who was killed when he chased his dog into the street. 8 months or 8 years. When in group therapy, Becca and Howie meet Gaby (Sandra Oh) who has been in the group for 8 years. Healing has its own timeline for each person. Becca has little use for the "God people" or the group addicts and quickly stops attending. Instead, she spends her time lashing out at everyone ... her husband, her mother, her sister ... even the dog and a lady at the grocery store.

Oddly enough, it is her bond with the high school boy who was driving the car that killed her son that helps her break through. She senses his pain and he understands hers. The story does a subtle and terrific job of showing how we are all touched by grief and how it affects the way we live our life. The best scene in the film is with Becca and her mother (Dianne Weist) in the basement. Her mother honestly tells her that "it" never goes away, but it does change. The grief becomes "bearable". That's really the goal.

No matter how many books are written on the topic, no blueprint will ever be one-size-fits-all for coping with the void and emptiness from the loss of a loved one. This story shows that if you just keep moving forward and keep connecting with others, the burden will become bearable.

Recently I saw Rabbit Hole, a drama that centers on a married couple that includes Becca (Played by Nicole Kidman), and Howie (Played by Aaron Eckhart), who are going through a tough time. It's been eight months since their child, Danny, was unexpectedly killed after he was hit by a car. They also go through tough times with Becca's family, a young boy she begins having conversations with, and a veteran of their support group (Played by Sandra Oh).

The film is not always highly ambitious, but it's a slow burning, devastating experience. The film is written by David Lindsay-Abbaire, and based on his stage play. He writes the film with a realistic touch, and words it oh so finely. Themes of emotional hardships, and desire to block out the past are very much so explored within the film. Still, as thoughtful as the writing and direction may be, the film can't help but feel stagy at points, and a tad distracted.

Regardless, I recommend seeing it, if only to behold the performances of Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart. Their performances are brimming with heart, and they infuse genuine heartbreak, anger, and joy (What little there is) into their performances. They give us gripping and memorable portrayals of sorrow and regret.

Sure, I'm not too fond of a few things, but I still liked Rabbit Hole. I give it *** out of ****

Nicole Kidman has an outstanding resume collected in the past 25 years. The Hours, Moulin Rouge!, Eyes Wide Shut, The Interpreter, Margot at the Wedding, The Others, Birth, Dogville, Nine, Cold Mountain, the list goes on. She's proved herself to be the best working actress out there, today, but has had a bit of a rough patch since her Oscar win with many films flopping critically and or financially. "Rabbit Hole" reiterates the fact she's the best there is.

Kidman plays Becca with intense, explosive motivation. She really gets under your skin; you see Becca, not Nicole Kidman. It really is a landmark in her career. She's bound to get a well- earned Oscar nomination and will go head-to-head with Natalie Portman for the win (Don't you wish there were more ties?) She transforms into the role and drenches it in realism. sorrow. It's beyond words can describe and mothers who've gone through such a horrible loss will thank Kidman left and right.

The script plays a character itself. Its dark subject matter was a risky one, but it unflinchingly succeeds at all costs. It displays accurately the process of grief and does justice to the sorrowful topic. The much needed comic relief moments are in there as well, which lightens up the mood. Some dialogue will stick with you as you leave this film and will haunt you. You'll find yourself repeating what's said in the film. The direction goes hand-in-hand with the script. The delicate approach is perfectly matched. With a film like this, it could be over- the-top and obnoxious, or flat and lifeless, but the director finds just the right note and strikes it right for 90 minutes.

Aaron Eckhart plays opposite Kidman as the husband, Howie. He is dignifying in his depiction of a grieving father in need of conquer this tragedy. Diane Weist is also a wonderful standout as Becca's mother who has also lost a child. She has her dramatic moments which are the weight of her performance, but has so much warmth to her character which really makes you care for her.

Rabbit Hole isn't to be missed. It's a fascinating, deep, and moving film that will knock you on your feet. Kidman is terrific, but not without the support of Eckhart and Weist. The score is also brilliant and beautiful. At a nice, short running-time, Rabbit Hole will have an impact on your day.