Behind The Red Door [DVD] Kiefer Sutherland

There is no doubt that from the very start of this movie you know how it will end. Not only will you know how it will end, but you can just state out loud what the next stereo-typical plot twist or deviation will be and whom is who's brother or sister or father. Who will die a horrible death, etc. It is so "hallmark/Lifetime" in its predictability that it borders on sappy. The acting leaves less than can be desired. All three main characters try hard, very hard, to get through this script as best they can. Sutherland trying to play bitchy and somewhat effeminate gay man is painful to watch. The script for Channing is almost beneath her talents and she too is painful to watch..and Sedgewick is just painful. So why did I give this four stars? The cinematography is breath taking. Not just the locale, but the pristine sharp focus of the lens and the the somber setting makes you become part of the movie. I have never watched any film where I truly felt I was there, I was in the scene and not because of the emotions pouring from the actors, there is no emoting, it is clearly the cinematography. The colors of autumn, even in summer, are pronounced and vibrant..this feel/look follows the film from start to the very end. The first time I viewed it on Showtime I was taken back by the photography...it was only later upon watching it a second time did I realize just how awful and predictable was the story line.

This movie absolutely took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting much as I have seen some of Kiefer Sutherland's earlier movies and wasn't impressed at all by the story content or his acting. With that said.... I have to say I was absolutely stunned at the power of his portrayal of Roy Hadad. I found myself forgetting that it was Kiefer playing a role, but instead found myself empathizing with Roy and taking great joy in the relationship he was beginning to re-form with his sister Natalie on an adult level. I could truly feel Roy's vulnerabilities and fears through Kiefer's interpretation of him. I also am not ashamed to admit that I rented this movie multiple times before I bought it. The only thing that mars the beauty of this story is the use of a very strong curse word used multiple times by different actors. I wish it wasn't there and it really serves no purpose being there. It truly detracts from the pure beauty of the film. The serenity of the ocean coupled with Kiefer's very subtle facial expressions and movements when he makes his decision on the deck and when he tells Natalie of this decision (I won't ruin it for those who have not seen it) overwhelmed me. I truly felt the power of his conviction and the sense of purpose Roy must have felt at that time, and this was once again all due to Kiefer's portrayal of Roy. Kiefer also portrays Roy's lifestyle in a way that is understated so that this is not the focus of the film but keeps the focus on the relationships and Roy finding for himself peace with God and others. This movie is pure genius on the part of Kiefer Sutherland and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a movie with depth. I look forward to more truly amazing performances by Kiefer Sutherland in the future. Kiefer, if you're out there let me say that no actor has ever moved me the way you did in this movie. Thank you for the experience.

The subject matter and acting is fine.The DVD itself is an example of a problem occasionally seen with DVDs of films made for TV. None of the choices of aspect ratio on my wide-screen HD TV are correct.This is similar to the usual problem of a hotel room with a wide-screen TV connected to a standard-definition cable service subscription; the hotel remote control offers no way to change the aspect ratio. I think of it as the "fat-head" syndrome.

This movie was a lovely surprise for me. I commend Showtime for producing character-driven, grown-up movies like this, and Behind the Red Door was no disappointment. I really love it when an actor completely defies an iconic role the way Kiefer Sutherland does in this movie. Others have mentioned his subtle expressions, but what struck me was the clipped, almost affected way of speaking - just one of the many barriers this character put up between himself and the world. I found myself rewinding to replay some of his sarcastic, wry remarks. I had not seen Kyra Sedgwick in too many things (not a fan of The Closer), so I had no preconceptions about her. Her character was so multilayered and real, and her struggle to understand what happened to her mother was like an open wound. I loved her reactions, especially her temper tantrum outside after being attacked for her bad cooking.I think a previous reviewer completely missed the point about the mother's death. It was not about resolving a murder mystery (as a lesser film might have attempted), but about Natalie's coming to grips with the event. Her comment to Roy, which I won't spoil here, about "knowing," and his agreement, summed that up nicely.I loved that the film wasn't preachy about AIDS or about being gay. It was just this beautiful story about how life gets stripped down to the things that really matter, and all pretenses and masks fall away, when you know you only have so much time to put things in order. It wasn't sentimental or sappy or contrived or cliched. I felt like I knew these characters by the end of the film, and I had grown to like them as well. I absolutely will watch this movie again and again. I highly recommend it.

Bla Bla Bla Movie

Great storyline with good acting a very enjoyable but emotional film, aids related so adult supervision may be required.

Arrived very quickly, story line was brilliant a guaranteed tear-jerker. Recommend a watch.

Was not as described on arrival but resolved on complaint, can't say fairer than that.

Stunning film real emotional roller coaster ride but you need to see it. Keep the tissues handy though for the end.