Orphans, abortion, incest, paralysis, broken hearts. Boy, that sounds like the makings for two hours of pure entertainment and fuzzy warmth. Please! Actually, The Cider House Rules is a great story, full of controversial topics and thought-provoking issues, but the film is about as shallow as my bathtub.
Based on John Irving’s book by the same name, the film version of The Cider House Rules lacks the emotion and thoughtfulness that makes the book such a classic. Tobey Maquire plays Homer Wells, an orphan raised under the tender care of Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), the same man responsible for bringing him into the world. Throughout the years, Dr. Larch takes Homer under his wing and trains him in the ways of a medical doctor. As the years go by, young Homer begins to wonder about the world and decides it’s time to spread his wings. With believability and sensitivity, Maquire is able to capture the naivete that makes Homer Wells such a lovable character. And kudos to Michael Caine for his tender portrayal of the loving yet tortured Dr. Larch. It’s just too bad the supporting cast doesn’t follow their lead.
Charlize Theron plays Homer’s love interest. Though attractive, this one-time supermodel fails to carry out the complex role of Candy with ease. It simply doesn’t work. She looks like a glamorous 1950’s pinup rather than a young girl oppressed by the time period and her gender. The insecurity that consumes her is disheartening and highly unlikely. She’s simply too happy-go-lucky for a girl who’s dealt with an abortion and lost love. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Theron’s range as an actress extends to a character staying with a man out of complete fear of loneliness.
I also struggled with the relationship between Delroy Lindo as Mr. Rose and Erykah Badu as his daughter, Rose Rose. Why in the hell have an incestuous focal point and not give it the sensitivity and development that it needs and so rightly deserves? It came out of left field and sat there weighing heavily, serving only as a ploy to stir up more emotions. I felt robbed of my true senses. All of this devastation and depression and these characters roam like zombies, blind to the cruelties forced upon them. Not that I’m looking for a pity formula, but there’s got to be some raw emotion there somewhere in order to be realistic.
I guess it boils down to this: The Cider House Rules is way too complex a notion for the big screen. At least John Irving used pages to develop these characters; two hours is not enough. There’s a great story here and, though sad in nature, it has the potential to be inspirational. I only wish I could have bought into it.
+ ashley adams
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