Mia Goldman both wrote and directed this fine little film that deals with the butterfly effect of an event affecting a whole family. The subtlety of the film is enhanced by unforced, subtle performances by a solid cast and further enhanced by a quality of filming (cinematographer Dennis Maloney) that creates disturbing images without obsessing over them. Photographer Izzy (Robin Tunney) is deeply in love with Peter (Joel Edgerton) whose lives are brutally assaulted when Izzy is raped. Unable to cope with the concept and in the midst of a healing phase, Izzy and Peter breakup, consoled by Izzy's mother Arlene (Cybil Shepherd) and father John (Elliott Gould). Once the incident that is the driver of this story is revealed and discussed, the ramifications are bitter. How Izzy and Peter survive the ordeal is beautifully and subtly written and acted. Cameo roles by Scott Wilson and Shirley Knight add depth to the story. This film has some very disturbing moments, but the subject of rape has always and will always be a disturbing topic. How writer/director Goldman handles this is one of the finest moments on film. It is a pleasure to see Robin Tunney, best known now for her ongoing role on televisions 'The Mentalist', tackle a role so demanding and make us stay with her character all the way. Joel Edgerton is also exception in a tough role. In all, this is one of those unnoticed films that deserves a larger audience. Grady Harp
... View MoreI saw "Open Window" on Showtime and was so captivated by it that I had to see it again. It's really the first time I've seen a movie that shows that there is more than one victim when an act of violence happens to somebody else.The relationship between Peter and Izzy is real and honest. How can a couple really grasp when something this devastating happens to them? "Open Window" shows this relationship unfold in a way that I haven't seen before.Some would say that this film has too many scenes where there are two people talking, but it is so much more than that. The conversations between Peter and his father, Izzy and her therapist, etc. are the key to the films beauty. These small scenes let you into the characters so much.I found the directing, acting and writing so subtle and yet so powerful.Hopefully, word of mouth will give the film the recognition that it should have had a year ago when it was at Sundance.
... View MoreI loved this movie. With a fine hand and an elegant restraint, Mia Goldman's inaugural feature is a beautifully crafted work. With a concise and well articulated story line, Ms. Goldman, who wrote and directed, has made an engaging movie that moved me in many unexpected ways. The story of a young couple, deeply in love, confronting an enormous challenge startled me. Disturbed me. Robin Tunney and Joel Edgerton play the romantic leads with elegance and passion. Their love affair drives the story and they do it well. TElliot Gould and Cybil Shepard, in unusually textured roles, perform beautifully. This smart, sophisticated Indie film is subtly driven. We're sucked into the emotional vortex almost from the beginning. Once there, it's an intense ride. It's not everybody's cup of tea. There are disturbing elements that I will not reveal. But if you hang in you will be deeply and profoundly rewarded. This is one of those sleeper films. A wonderfully rewarding debut.
... View MoreJust caught this movie on Showtime. It's a quiet, subtle film about a tough subject - rape - and the filmmakers handle it with grace and dignity. What's great about the movie is that it deals with the trauma from everyone's perspective - the fiancée, the mom, the dad, the friends - not just the primary victim's. Strong performances from Robin Tunney and Joel Edgerton throughout. I think there are a lot of women who would be interested in seeing this movie, but it would also appeal to men who have been in this situation as well, of which there are probably far too many. Highly recommend seeing this - I think it's airing on Showtime for another few weeks.
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