The Man in the Attic

I just viewed this film and found it to be excellent. I liked the characters and found them to be believable and well portrayed. The sensitivity shown by Harris was in keeping with the plot of the story. I understand this was taken from a true story. Whether it was or not, I found it to very enjoyable.I wonder why it wasn't advertised more than it was. Too bad...I'm sure some people missed it because of that. I particularly liked the emotion showed by Anne Archer in the portrayer of the heroine. The costumes and houses, etc. gave the impression of really being back in the 1900s. The car that Krista almost hit Edward with was especially beautiful and typified the class of the age.

This is an excellent film, well-made and well-acted that makes an extraordinary story believable. The characters are multi-layered and performances suitably reflect that. Anne Archer sensitively depicts a woman devastated by the loss of her son, sexually dominant, often deceitful, but possessing a heart and conscience. Neil Patrick Harris appears by turns uncertain, shy, horny, demanding and submissive in the role of Edward Broder, a man who chose to live under a kind of voluntary house arrest to be with the woman he loved. Len Cariou is credible when he plays a husband who is harsh and cruel and equally so when he is endearingly "lovesick."

I was so intrigued by the knowledge that this tale of a man who lived in a couple's attic for years without the husband knowing he was there was based on a true story that I simply had to research it further. It turned out to be inspired by the story of Otto Sanhuber who lived in the attic of Fred and Dolly Oesstreich, about whom I have a story at Court TV's Crime Library. This movie is so good that it rewards re-watching when the viewer can appreciate its multiple layers of interaction and meaning.

Anne Archer plays Krista Heldman a wife of a business owner Joseph Heldman play by Len Cariou. Neil Patrick Harris plays Edward Broder the friend of their son. Joseph hires Edward since he is close friend of his son. Edward get familiar with the family and suddenly when the son dies the situation chances. Joseph begin to be abusive to Krista and Edward more than a friend to Krista a lover. When Joseph finds out about the affair Edward losing his job and home. Edward nowhere to go Krista hides him in the attic. Will Joseph ever find Edward in the top of the house? All the performances are excellent in this made for TV movie.

The movie had all the elements of a movie to be potentially great.

I was immediately captivated in watching it. The narrative hook, showing the jail and the interviewer; after that, my eyes were glued to the screen right until the end...

The story builds and enriches beautifully throughout the screen. Their are always gradual changes, but not too long or ongoing to still keep you interested. Very well done acting, but I bieleve far better direction and plot to go along with.

After I watched the movie, I went to bed, when I woke up the next morning I couldn't bieleve what happened, how far the movie built this so-called relationship, this so-called 'family'. But, I've said too much I don't want to give the movie away.

This is one of Norman Winski's later works. It shows maturity, talent and unique creative style. I first saw it on MOVIE OF THE WEEK, and again. I enjoyed as much or even more the second time I saw it. there are little hidden manings everywhere.