Skeletons in the Closet

"Skeletons in the closet" is a movie that is not noisy and action packed like most of the thrillers are. It is quiet and you have to turn up the volume to hear the whisperings of the lead protagonist, Seth, many a time. One thing that I particularly noted in this movie was that there is very little background music interfering with the dialogues, which I really appreciated. In most movies, we can not hear a word of the dialogue due to the background din.

The interesting factor here is the psychoanalysis of this character and how all the other characters relate to him and contributed to his mental status. The movie is based on the theory that a person is severely affected by what s/he experiences as a child. All these emotions are beautifully portrayed by Jonathan Jackson, and you really end up feeling bad for Seth Reed. There are lots of kids being misguided or not guided either-way, within and without their homes, which turn them into confused anti-socials (especially if they already have acquired criminal instincts genetically). These same kids would have had better chances of leading a peaceful existence had they been taken care of and been well-guided. The same way, Seth could have been a successful pianist or anything he wanted to be, had he been saved from what even he himself does not comprehend. This has been portrayed so sensitively and so strikingly that this movie is a must-see for all viewers who like thought provoking stories.

Just like the ambience is quite gloomy throughout the movie, the songs too are melancholic, soulful and beautiful. The theme may not be unique, but the treatment and acting (esp. Treat Williams and Jonathan Jackson) is definitely outstanding and laudable. Excellent movie...

I really liked this movie for the plot but I believe it was a little weak in the acting and the film product could have used some help. The plot was gripping and the main actors that were picked for this film were excellent choices, they were very good at their parts but the minor and extras needed to be a bit more believable. For example the father of Seth's girlfriend was need of some major acting lessons. Plus the directing was great for the angles but it had its inadequate parts like most films. But the again the story line was the strongest and best part of this film and at some of fragments of the film it was the only thing that was kept me watching. I feel that everyone should consider watching this movie.

Very intriguing film, the plot is unlike a lot of other films of the same genre. Acting wise it's not brilliant, but it's passable and the characters are good, and you can have great characters even if the actor playing them isn't world class.

The plot is the main appeal for this film and it's very strong.

7/10: Just about gets a 7, I wouldn't watch it again but I really enjoyed wondering what would happen next, unpredictability is exciting.

There's a reason why you've never heard of this movie... it's not any good! However, I must admit that the movie does keep your attention; but that's only because you think the movie's going to be good or the climax will be spectacular. Not so. The film tries to be clever like every other Hollywood thriller by gradually giving pieces of the puzzle; and when the puzzle is finally solved you're not thinking, "Oooohhh, I get it now!," but rather, "Big deal, no surprises there." My overall thought: the film seems more like an episode of a TV thriller (such as Profiler) rather than a movie.

Will Reed (Treat Williams) is a middle-age widow, living with his problematic son Seth (Jonathan Jackson) in a small American city. Will works in a factory, and has some affair with his colleague Tina Conway (Linda Hamilton). Seth blames Will for the loss of his mother when he was six years old. When Seth is eighteen years old, some crimes happens in the neighborhood. Will suspects that the crimes have been committed by Seth, and Seth accuses his father of being paranoiac. The end of the story reveals many secrets. This television movie has a reasonable screenplay, but it is very supported by the performance of the cast. The cynical character of Jonathan Jackson and the dramatic one of Treat Williams are indeed very well performed. The aged Linda Hamilton has a minor, but correct acting. The supporting cast is also very good. I do not know what type of film was used, but the image looks like a television show or news. Although not being outstanding, this dramatic and suspenseful movie entertains. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Lembranças Macabras" ("Macabres Remembrances")