The Cider House Rules, a poignant 1999 film, is set in Maine during the Second World War. It is based on John Irving’s 1985 novel. The stars are Michael Caine, who received an Academy Award for his Best Supporting Role performance, a young Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron. Kieran Culkin was also on board - let’s see if he gets an Oscar this year for A Real Pain.
The director was the much-acclaimed Lasse Hallström – RCC particularly enjoyed his Salmon Fishing in Yemen in March 2017.
Although some of the audience on our WhatsApp group felt it was a lovely film, the discussion group was tougher on it, reflecting some of Peter Bradshaw’s rather damning review.
Members praised the performances and the location. However, for one, it was a “fantasy of the American dream” and big issues were given too much of a soft focus. The lack of a strong female character, considering abortion was a key element, was felt.
On the other hand, another member felt the film was not didactic and was about rules and choices people face. Homer, the main character who is born in the orphanage, goes on a journey of enlightenment, making decisions that shape his life. The representation of black migrant workers was generally sympathetic, although the Mr Rose character is problematic.
Erik Per Sullivan plays a young boy, Fuzzy, who is in an oxygen tent at the orphanage. It’s a very touching performance and probably the only example of foetal alcohol syndrome I’ve seen depicted in a film. I also love it when films are shown within films (is this considered ‘meta’?) and the awe and wonder impact on viewers is shown. The orphanage only gets to see one film – King Kong.
Some of us had seen the film back in 1999 and it was interesting to return to it. Abortion continues to be a very divisive issue.
We thank a local website for its advertising description of The Cider House Rules. What a difference a full stop can make! “An orphan leaves his mentor to seek freedom at Rusthall Community Cinema.”
Anne
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