Bessie also takes care of her Aunt Ruth, whose electric unit for pain relief and penchant for soap operas provide comic relief in this bittersweet drama about families and responsibilities. Released for this special trip to visit his Aunt Bessie, Hank continues his rebellion by refusing to be tested as a possible donor. The family unites in and around Marvin's room.
Reunions are never as smooth as planned, and tensions, stored bitterness, and anger erupt.
Bessie's gentleness in caring for her father is a model of loving care. The script, written by Scott McPherson and based on his play, Marvin's Room, is intelligent, often humorous. There are also some nice cinematic touches, such as the fade transition from the bone marrow cells under a microscope to the colors of a stained glass window in the convent where Lee is harbored after the fire. Miscellaneous Based on the play, Marvin's Room, by Scott McPherson. Video Source Buena Vista Pictures Dist.