Product: Everybody's Fine (2009)
Rating: 5.0
Failure to Communicate: A New De Niro Unveiled
EVERYBODY'S FINE is, of course a misnomer: it is that too often used phrase to cover up or at least distract the questioner from the realities that are painful. This fine little jewel of a film is a remake of the Italian 1900 STANNO TUTTO BENE written by Massimo De Rita, Tonino Guerra an Giuseppe Tornatorre. Here that story about a Sicilian father trying to reconnect with his children has been adapted successfully by Kirk Jones who also directs. Some may say the adaptation is less than the original, but for audiences in this country it is a more relevant story, and with the cast of characters selected to transform the tale into an American one it is successful.Frank Goode (Robert De Niro in a compelling performance) is a recent widower, caring for his house in Elmira, NY without very much connection to his four children who have gone into the world 'to become famous' (in Frank's mind). Frank decides to spiff up his home and invite the children now living in all parts of the country to his home for a reunion. None can come, with excuses that indicate that life outside Frank's world is more important and constraining. Much against his physician's orders (Frank spent his life making PVC insulation for telephone wires and has work related pulmonary complications) Frank sets out to surprise each of his children with a visit. He visits Amy (Kate Beckinsale), an advertising executive creating corny ads for unimportant customers; Robert (Sam Rockwell) who just plays percussion in the symphony rather than being the expected conductor; Rosie (Drew Barrymore) who instead of becoming a famous dancer has a gig in a Las Vegas show; David who was supposed to become a famous artist is simply not at home. Frank realizes that he never really connected with his children except through his wife's presence, and while the children love their father, they feel they could never live up to his expectations....and haven't. The painful truth comes when the 'family' discusses the fourth child David's status. The truths that are overwhelmingly obvious are that even in families we keep secrets that are really wounds that need tending.Throughout the film Frank takes photos with a 'film camera' - an indication of how out of touch Frank has become - of each child as well as signs that suggest they are more than they are. His moments on his various rides across the country to meet the kids reveal that it is even difficult to successfully relate to those fellow travelers on the various buses and trains. Robert De Niro offers an understated performance that is Oscar worthy, creating a character who will live in memory for years to come. Grady Harp, February 10