A Map Of The World
Based on the Best-Selling Novel by Jane Hamilton
Alice (Sigourney Weaver) and Howard (David Strathairn) have moved to a small town to pursue Howard's dream of owning a farm. An outspoken woman, Alice finds herself an outsider but does become good friends with Theresa (Julianne Moore) and her family.
One morning, Theresa asks Alice if she can take car of her kids. Alice promises the kids that she will take them swimming, but while Alice is distracted, one of Theresa's little girls wanders off. When Alice realized that child is gone, she goes in search and tragically finds her face-down in the pond. Filled with grief and guilt, Alice must fight to find forgiveness, not only from her friend and the town, but also from herself.
Member Reviews
Outstanding Performance By Sigourney Weaver - revsdd
Sigourney Weaver offers a marvellous performance in this film, playing mother and school nurse Alice Goodwin, whose world is torn apart after the death of a friend's child on her property, and the lodging of a sexual assault charge by the mother of one of the students she deals with on a regular basis.
This is most definitely NOT a light movie. It has adult themes, and some very troubling subject matter. As good as Weaver is, the supporting cast also offers some very powerful moments. David Strathairn portrays Howard Goodwin, Alice's husband, as he helplessly watches the community turn against the entire family, and as he struggles with the decisions that need to be made to free Alice. Julianna Moore (as Theresa Collins, the mother whose child died while being watched by Alice) is very believable as the grieving mother, struggling with her anger toward Alice over her daughter's death, and yet also convinced that the assault charges against her are ridiculous. The scenes between Strathairn and Collins, both playing vulnerable characters dealing with circumstances completely beyond their control, are raw with emotion. The only performance I found truly disappointing was that of Arliss Howard as attorney Paul Reverdy. I didn't find him believable in the role.
All in all, though, this is a very strong movie.Slow moving, but moving nonetheless. - PowaPete
Alice’s only friend, Theresa Collins (Julianne Moore), also with two daughters, lives in stark contrast in outward appearance. Theresa’s house is a model of order. Tins of freshly baked muffins rest on a spotless countertop, and even something as messy as finger-painting projects are left neatly on a dining room table. Theresa’s husband has a flourishing career so that Theresa can afford to be a stay-at-home Mom, a luxury Alice can only dream of. Despite their differences, these women are close friends who share the intimacies of womanly conversation, family barbecues, and mutual support as each takes the other’s girls for sleepovers and baby-sitting relief.
Member Reviews
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Outstanding Performance By Sigourney Weaver - revsdd
Sigourney Weaver offers a marvellous performance in this film, playing mother and school nurse Alice Goodwin, whose world is torn apart after the death of a friend's child on her property, and the lodging of a sexual assault charge by the mother of one of ...Slow moving, but moving nonetheless. - PowaPete
Alice’s only friend, Theresa Collins (Julianne Moore), also with two daughters, lives in stark contrast in outward appearance. Theresa’s house is a model of order. Tins of freshly baked muffins rest on a spotless countertop, and even something as messy as ...