The Door in the Floor (2004) [R]

I'm not sure why I was so taken by this movie. The acting is indeed superb, with Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger as a couple whose marriage is not surviving the deaths of their teen-aged sons. The title refers to the Bridges' character's bestselling children's story: a hole in the floor that children fall through.

This couple is cruel to each other, although Bridges' behavior is more overt and pointed. After losing their sons, they have a daughter (played by an incredible Elle Fanning at age 4!) to replace them, which, of course, she cannot do. Bridges is a charming womanizer, Basinger is depressed. Into this situation comes a young man, the son of a family friend, to be an apprentice to Bridges. He bears a strong resemblance to one of the deceased sons and becomes both the pawn and catalyst of this marriage. Is this deliberate on Bridges' part?

The movie is an adaptation, by the director, of the first part of John Irving's bestseller A Widow for One Year. As a result, this is a moving, multi-layered drama. All four main characters go through their own process alone, even as they share the same space.

The theme: you may not always hurt the one you love, but you sure know how! I was deeply affected by this movie, it made me cry, yet somehow can't really find the words to describe my experience.

A fascinating movie about marriage, love and relationships.

DIRECTOR: Tod Williams.  CAST: Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Elle Fanning, Bijou Phillips, Mimi Rogers, Robert LuPone, Donna Murphy, Louis Arcella.

AWARDS: 1 win and 4 nominations.