The materialistic mom finds it difficult to contend with difficulties and to forgive her son for what he did to her public image. Conrad s problems evolve into larger, more complex issues of love, compassion, forgiveness, and our personal differences. The actors really deserve the crown here. If there was even one who did not live up to the great expectations, they would appear obvious and subtract from the film s emotional grasp. Timothy Hutton really portrays his character well.
Every emotional aspect feels real, justified, and understood.
Mary Tyler Moore portrays the film s potential villain believably as well. She makes is obvious that Beth would rather run from problems instead of dealing with them. After seeing Donald Sutherland in many recent film s that seem rather terse, I formed opinions about his credibility and ability that his performance here proves wrong. He is definitely a gifted actor when dealt good material. In this performance, easily the best of his career, he captures every minuet detail of a father struggling with his past, present, and future.