Ordinaria follia

This was the first and only movie I had ever worked on as an extra, which is why I had to watch it. As a "newbie" I was unaware that extras weren't supposed to talk to the "Talent". I couldn't help it, and because the director asked me to do some stand-in work for setting up shots when Mr. Urich wasn't on set, I got to hang around and gab with Shelly Fabres and catch a little more of what goes into making a movie...It must've been 90*and felt like 100, in Atlanta that summer. It was overwhelming to watch how hard everyone worked on their trade, the seriousness and intensity, something very few outsiders get to experience. The movie review doesn't do the film justice as it is filled with unbelievable surprises and twists and was based on a true story about a very "sick" guy in Louisiana...Worth watching again!!!

I was so glad when I logged onto and set up an account on this site. Just to see the first review about the home the Fagots lived in. It looked just like a Frank Lloyd Wright home but would be unusual to be in Louisiana. I wish I could have seen the home before it was demolished. Maybe I could find the new home built on the same site. Wonder who designed it?

Also since I live in Atlanta I did not recognize any of the scenery. Hard to swallow Robert Ulrich playing such a bad guy, although he did it well. How could such a successful father of 4 be so self destructive? He had so much going for him and life could have continued to be so wonderful.

Enjoying another LMN flick for a lazy Monday afternoon.

Although I haven't seen the movie, I know the family who currently own and live in the house.

It was flooded in 1992 during hurricane Andrew and it was flooded again during Katrina.

The first floor was completely submerged and the water level was half way up the second floor.

It has survived but the family has chosen to demolish the structure in the next few months.

If you live in the area, go by and see it quick.

The plans for the new house are unbelievable!!!

I, too, just happened upon this movie by being too lazy to change the channel. It ended up to be quite a good movie. It was a little different for me to see Robert Urich as a "bad guy". One of the things that actually stuck out for me was the house the family lived in. It looked like something Frank Lloyd Wright would have built, and I actually did try to find out where the house was (no luck). I also thought Gwyneth Paltrow was excellent, as was Robert Urich. I pretty much like Urich in most anything. I was a little disappointed that Shelley Fabares didn't have more screen time; I really like her. If you like suspense (as opposed to thrills), you will definitely like this movie.

in this portrayal of Leonard Fagot, a true story about a wartime veteran, who was controlling and manipulative with his family. This is a sad and intriguing story about a man descending further and further into insurance fraud and murder, presumably to "keep up appearances" financially.

Urich is excellent, because he always manages to portray a tortured, yet sympathetic character. Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the favorite daughters, who will do anything, almost anything for her Dad. She is also very good, and projects a realistic character. Shelley Fabares is the long-suffering wife, who has been cheated on, emotionally and possibly physically abused by her husband. After a certain point, she realizes what Leonard Fagot has been doing after acquiring insurance policies, then carrying out murder. When she threatens him, he informs her that he also has a policy on her.

Matthew Perry has a small part as a son-in-law who also comes to unfortunate ends. It may be interesting if they filmed a sequel to this story, many people are intrigued by it, as it was a true story. All in all, you will enjoy this film. 8/10