|
|
|
Structure
Interesting Questions, Facts and Information
- There are a total of 30 general entries.
|
 Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
 Ordinary People
Beth leaves Calvin and Conrad. Conrad finds out that Karen committed suicide earlier in the movie. He also makes up with Jeaninne, but Beth cannot take it anymore and she leaves to be with her relatives.
Judith Guest. Judith Guest also wrote 'Second Heaven', 'Killing Time in St. Cloud', and 'Errands'.
The death of Conrad's older brother. Conrad is blaming himself for the death and tries to commit suicide after the death. Beth is having trouble after losing her favourite son and cannot make herself love Conrad. Calvin is in the middle trying to make sure that their family will not break apart.
5. It recieved five awards for the Best Director - Motion Picture(Robert Redford), Best Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture Actor in a Supporting Role (Timothy Hutton), Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama (Mary Tyler Moore), and New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture - Male (Timothy Hutton). It also had three other nominations.
Conrad Jarrett. At the time Conrad is on his first date with Jeannine and he is having trouble coming up with a topic for conversation. The date does not end up to well because of Conrad's swimming friends' interference.
Dr. Berger. In one of the sessions Conrad says that he doesn't let himself feel anything because every time he does, he feels lousy. The phrase is how Dr. Berger replied to this statement.
Oscar . It has also received the Oscar for The Best Actor in Supporting Role (Timothy Hutton), Best Director (Robert Redford), and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Alvin Sargent). At the same time it was nominated for The Best Actor in Supporting Role (Judd Hirsch) and Best Actress in a Leading Role (Mary Tyler Moore).
| What happens to Beth (Conrad's mother) at the end of the film? | Ordinary People
|
She leaves them. The scene where Calvin finally confronts Beth about her lack of sympathy and concern is one of the most affecting in the movie. Calvin finally realizes that she is incapable of such emotions, always has been, and will never change. She is so dazed by the revelation she says nothing. She turns around, packs her bags, and leaves in a taxi.
He needed to talk to someone about his own problems. Donald Sutherland plays Calvin, Conrad's father. He is trying to be supportive of Conrad while also dealing with growing issues that develop between him and his wife. He is torn between two worlds while always simply trying to what he thinks is "right". It is amazing the growth and changes that occur to this character throughout the story.
Houston. Beth would prefer things to just return to normal even after the death of her first born son. Her inability to deal with the tragedy and her unwillingness to accept Conrad is one of the key points that drives this character study. Mary Tyler Moore received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the detached and indifferent mother.
They both sing in the same choir. Jeannine Pratt, played by Elizabeth McGovern, becomes Conrad's love interest in the film. She has the ability to understand him and his problems without feeling overwhelmed or unsympathetic. Her involvement in his life helps Conrad deal with his issues and the pain he feels inside.
| What is the name of the psychiatrist Conrad sees after leaving the hospital? | Ordinary People
|
Dr. Berger. Judd Hirsh received an Oscar nomination for his wonderful portrayal of Conrad's psychiatrist Dr. Berger. His character is an unconventional doctor to say the least. He is cut and dry and does not preach the psychobabble that many psychiatrists are into. Yet, in the long run, he and his technique begin to help Conrad deal with his guilt.
| What was the name of the girl Conrad befriended in the mental hospital? | Ordinary People
|
Karen. Conrad became very close with Karen during his time in the hospital. The scene where he calls her, only to learn that she had killed herself is one of the most poignant scenes in the film.
| After Conrad attempts suicide, how much time did he spend in the hospital? | Ordinary People
|
4 months. Conrad seemingly has the most to deal with in the aftermath of his brother's death. He is traumatized because he was present during the accident and he feels guilty because he survived. These emotions as well as many more eventually drive the youth to try to end his life.
Buck. Buck dies in an accident after the boat he and his brother were riding in, overturns during a storm. The event leaves the remaining members of the once "perfect" family in emotional ruin. The eldest of the two Jarrett boys was also the mother's favorite, and his death is very difficult for the mother as well as the remaining son to accept.
Judith Guest. While the novel is simply inspiration for the plot of the movie, both versions of the story are quite good. The adapted screenplay was written Alvin Sargent.
Jarrett. The entire film is centered around the affluent Jarrett family and the turmoil they encounter after losing a family member. Mary Tyler Moore plays the mother, Beth, Donald Sutherland portrays the father, Calvin, and Timothy Hutton (in his Oscar winning performance) portrays the youngest son, Conrad.
| The film's Oscar-winning screenplay was adapted by what screenwriter from the novel by Judith Guest? | Ordinary People
|
Alvin Sargent. Alvin Sargent has won two Academy Awards, one for this movie and one for the film "Julia" in 1977. He was also nominated for an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for "Paper Moon" and has also written the screenplay for the first two "Spider-Man" sequels.
| During one of the therapy sessions, Conrad makes a brief mention of what classic TV show? | Ordinary People
|
The Waltons. In this brief mention, he compares himself to John Boy and how they both feel like outsiders in their own families.
Lazenby. In a tense showdown with Lazenby and some of his friends as Conrad and Jeannine leave the bowling alley, Lazenby tells Conrad that he is not the only one suffering. Lazenby is also struggling to cope with Buck's death.
Bowling alley. Despite saying that she is a horrible bowler, Conrad decides to take a chance and ask Jeannine out on the date.
Buck. Buck Jarrett was known as an all-around athlete and a friendly rival to Conrad before his accidental death by drowning.
Coach Salan. The second time that Conrad tells Salan that he is quitting, Salan tells him he won't have another chance, to which Conrad responds that he won't ask for another chance.
Drowning. In a flashback, Conrad reveals to Dr. Berger that his "crime" was surviving, since he wasn't the athlete or jock that his brother was. However, this is also the climactic moment where Conrad begins to turn his life around.
Tyrone. Dr. Tyrone Berger is played by Judd Hirsch, most famous for his work on "Taxi." He is Conrad's psychiatrist, and he helps Conrad overcome his survivor's guilt. Judd Hirsch received an Academy Award nomination for this role.
Skokie, Illinois. Most of the action takes place in the Chicagoland area. Karen is a friend of Conrad's from the hospital where he was staying at after trying to commit suicide.
a lot of energy. She tells Conrad this when they formally introduce themselves. Conrad is a little flustered, and one of Jeannine's friends introduces him.
|
Play Now! 