In order for the audience to draw conclusions, however, they must be engaged with the characters. The power of our reaction to the film is in direct proportion to how invested we become in the character's lives. Production Designer Mark Friedberg, Director of Photography Fredrick Elmes, Costume Designer Carol Oditz, Music Director and composer Mychael Danna and their crews fabricate a structure that is absolutely convincing-not the actual world, but the world as it appears to the characters. It has more than historic authenticity, it has a hallmark of Lee's work, emotional authenticity. Through this world move characters created by actors at their best-relaxed, intelligent, daring and vulnerable.
Credit is also due to the actors themselves.
Joan Allen ought to win an Oscar for her performance here and Kevin Kline could also be a contender. Christina Ricci suggests the depths of adolescent confusion and compassion with a sincerity actors her age almost never manage. Sigourney Weaver gives another of the startling, subtle performances that make her one of the few actresses of her generation whose work will have lasting value. The supporting players all add their part to the unfolding story with a consistent honesty that must have been at least encouraged, if not inspired, by Lee. The small gestures of this film work as well as the broad strokes.