Movie Review - “Little Children”
***1/2 STARS
“Little Children” is a dark and scathing look at the definitions of adultery and humans inner struggle with their complacency with becoming adults. The film also touches on the stagnation of suburbia and parenthood in such a sad, realistic pathetic way. I also appreciated the delicacy of the screenplays comedic moments and the intensity of the dramatic moments. “Little Children” was insightful and very real. Watching “Children” felt like I was witnessing a handful of families private lives from behind the scenes. Every character in this suburban “dream” is flawed except the children. Watching all of this unfold can be painful and at times hilarious.
The best and most brilliant part of this movie was the narration. I was taken back by the initial sound of the narrators voice but grew to love the warmth of his tone. The story began with a comical scene in the park as the local neighborhood moms gossip about various locals. The written narration is crisp and delightful. Suddenly a new face arrives at the park and right away he is labeled “the prom king”. When Winslet is dared to go up to him by the other mommies she suddenly feels something she has never felt before, a sense of belonging. “Brad” is in many ways the male version of Winslet’s character and the energy they share sizzles off of the screen.
There is also a controversial sub-plot surrounding a released sex offender in the neighborhood that is handled in a beautiful way. Jackie Earle Haley deserves his nomination as Ronnie the tormented criminal who flashed himself to a 12 year old girl years ago and is released from prison. The boiling hatred and ignorance from the neighborhood erupts in a humiliating and heartbreaking climax. This whole movie was intense, but not as dark and depressing as I thought it would be.
“Little Children” is a great example of terrific casting, screenwriting and raw humanity put onto film. It’s a real slice of the twisted white picket fence lifestyle that exists, but no one talks about. Todd Field also directed “In The Bedroom” which was another true to life movie and a cinematic piece of real life. His delicate and poignant handling of sensitive and controversial topics is beautiful. I am very excited to see what else Field has in store for us in the future.
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