Marvin’s Room (1996, Streep, Keaton, DiCaprio) – Classic Film Review 895

In director Jerry Zaks’s superlative 1996 heart-tugger, Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton are at their best as sisters Lee and Bessie who have been estranged since their father Marvin (Hume Cronyn)’s stroke 17 years ago.

But now Bessie realises that she is suffering from leukaemia and attempts to end the feud to take care of their father and her Aunt Ruth (Gwen Verdon) and to get her bone marrow.

Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hank, who doesn’t get along with his mother Lee because of her abusive behaviour. Robert De Niro plays Dr Wally, who informs Bessie, in her regular doctor’s absence, that she has leukaemia and will die without a bone marrow transplant.

It was Keaton who won her second Oscar nomination, after her win for Annie Hall, but Streep is on great form too as a mean woman afraid of responsibilities and is troubled by her son. Can she step up now she’s desperately needed?

An over-powering emotional occasion, this is a lovely film, with a marvellous cast, all on top form. Scott McPherson adapts his own play that’s full of vibrant characters, poignant dialogue, home truths and moving moments.

(C) Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 895 derekwinnert.com

De Niro with director Jerry Zaks.