Marvin’s Room **** (1996, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Hume Cronyn, Gwen Verdon, Hal Scardino, Dan Hedaya) – Classic Movie Review 895

In the superlative 1996 heart-tugger film Marvin’s Room, 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.

In director Jerry Zaks’s superlative 1996 heart-tugger American drama film Marvin’s Room, 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, Lee’s 17-year-old son, 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 earned 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 that she is desperately needed?

Streep was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

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.

Also notable are Gwen Verdon as Marvin’s sister Ruth, Hal Scardino as Lee’s 10-year-old son Charlie, and Dan Hedaya as Wally’s brother Bob.

McPherson had completed a screenplay for a film version of his play before he died in 1992 and John Guare was hired to update it.

The score is by Rachel Portman, and Carly Simon write and performs the theme song ‘Two Little Sisters’, with Meryl Streep on background vocals.

The cast are Meryl Streep as Lee, Leonardo DiCaprio as Hank, Diane Keaton as Bessie, Robert De Niro as Dr Wally, Hume Cronyn as Marvin, Gwen Verdon as Ruth, Hal Scardino as Charlie, Dan Hedaya as Bob, Cynthia Nixon as the Retirement Home Director, Margo Martindale as Dr Charlotte, and Joe Lisi as Bruno.

It did OK at the box office. On a budget $23 million, it took $30 million worldwide.

It is made by Scott Rudin Productions Tribeca and distributed by Miramax Films.

Release date: December 18, 1996.

Scott McPherson (October 13, 1959 – November 7, 1992)

American playwright Scott McPherson (October 13, 1959 – November 7, 1992) moved to Chicago in 1981 and acted in The Normal Heart and The House of Blue Leaves. He joined the play writing group Chicago New Plays.

Scott McPherson died of complications from AIDS on 7 November 1992, aged only 33. Ohio University named a new theatre space after him. The Goodman Theatre and the Victory Gardens Theatre have established an annual playwriting award in his name.

His partner was activist and cartoonist Daniel Sotomayor.

© Derek Winnert 2014 – Classic Movie Review 895

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com

De Niro with director Jerry Zaks.