Marvin's Room (1996)

	Directed by: Jerry Zaks	COUNTRY USA Genre Drama NORWEGIAN TITLE Marvins døtre RUNNING TIME 98 minutes
	Produced by: Scott Rudin Jane Rosenthal Robert De Niro
	Written by: Scott McPherson

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Lee	Meryl Streep	½
Hank	Leonardo DiCaprio
Bessie	Diane Keaton	½
Dr. Wally	Robert De Niro	½
Marvin	Hume Cronyn	-
Ruth	Gwen Verdon	-
Charlie	Hal Scardino	-
Bob	Dan Hedaya	-

Review

A down-to-earth drama about the small things in life and the ethical aspects of them. Based on a play by Scott McPherson (who also wrote the screenplay himself), the film aims to be food for thought, but without exactly making a feast of itself. The filmmakers encourage reflection, but the film is more interesting as an observer of the trivialities of life than for connecting any dots. The drama is solid, but nevertheless a little dull. Marvin's Room is a film revolving around acting performances – several of which are very, very good. Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton both demonstrate that their talents aren't just referenced in old film reviews, but are actually flourishing. Also with Robert De Niro in a small fourth-billed part, Leonardo DiCaprio in a performance influenced by his work in This Boys Life and The Basketball Diaries, and Dan Hedaya in an amusing cameo as De Niro's companion.