Marvin's Room (1996)

Nominated for 1 Academy Award:

Best Actress: Diane Keaton

 

I had stayed away from Marvin’s Room for so long, because I had heard it’s one of Meryl’s weaker performances, and also because I am saving some of the Best Actress nominees for a later time. And, indeed, this is not the finest hour for Meryl, because she overacts and because we’re presented a character that doesn’t feel fully realized. Diane, on the other hand, is giving a fine performance, more nuanced, and more than what a flawed screenplay required. She nails the emotional part and you end up feeling like you know this woman.

In many ways, it’s a typical 1990s family drama, and there isn’t much to get too excited about, beyond the acting of Diane and… what a pleasant surprise… Gwen Verdon in a SUPERB supporting performance. 1996 was a killer year for the Supporting Actress category at the Oscars, she would’ve surely been nominated in almost any other year, she is so sweet, convincing and totally steals a couple of scenes. With all of its story problems, the film won’t get you mad though, so it’s watchable.

 

I give it: 6.5/10

IMDB LINK