The Door in the Floor

Tod William's adaptation of what may be considered the greatest work of literature ever produced by John Irving, A Widow for One Year, translates to what may be called one of the greatest comedies of all time.This movie doesn't quite do justice to Irving's novel but no movie can ever really accomplish that as the novel constitutes a very complicated attempt at portraying a complex theme with multiple plot lines and interweaving stories that are very well integrated into a highly satisfactory gestalt that generates the most enjoyable read I have ever had of any work of literature. The movie merely focuses on a specific segment of the novel and rather that adopting the namesake of the book chooses instead to name it "Door in the Floor," referring to a door beneath the floor of the hero's squash court.It traces the story of an estranged couple who hires a chauffeur to perform the task of driving for the hero who works as a writer of children's books; who hires him on the account that he reminds him of his dead son who is dearly treasured and missed by his wife. And, having caught the young man masturbating to her dress, Kim Basinger is taken with the boy whose resemblance to her son further incites her desire to have an affair with him which later involves sexual intercourse.Basinger's daughter catches them in the dog style and this, eventually, becomes known to her husband who considers using it as grounds to file for custody of their child.The movie is hilarious in almost every respect and leaves one with a good feeling about the characters and the film.A fine comedy by a relatively unknown director.

I have read the reviews and everyone misses why Kim Basinger is giving sex to the intern. She is trying to do justice to her dead teen aged sons. She realizes how horny teens are and how little sex that they get. So she gives all the sex to the young intern for multiple reasons. 1 she wants to make it better for one young man in memory of her dead teen sons and 2 she wants to step out of her constant catatonic state of depression. In the end, it energizes her enough to leave her dead marriage.The movie was spot on to the unraveling of a marriage due to the death of a child. Most marriages just simply can't survive this tragic and overwhelming loss. Instead of bring couples closer together, it invariably drives a wedge between them so that they are now forced to grieve alone.This was truly art imitating life. Usually people have to exercise in movie terms what is called "suspension of disbelief" in order to surrender themselves and immerse themselves into the story line. This movie grabs you by the throat and drags you into the story line. It has everything, tragedy, comedy, sex, violence and depression and in the end a surprise ending that defines the title of the movie.

After the loss of both their sons, Ted and Marion Cole's marriage is falling apart. They communicate mostly through Eddie, the Exeter student Ted has hired to be his writing assistant. Their daughter, Ruth, conceived after the boys' deaths, is as nearly obsessed with the deceased boys as Marion. Ruth spends much of her time recounting anecdotes about them while looking at their photographs, which line both sides of the hallway in their house. It is Ruth's growing obsession that no doubt leads Marion to leave marriage and motherhood in an attempt to protect Ruth: "I don't want her [Ruth]to be like me."The title is named for the children's book of the same name that Ted has authored. The children's story is a fable which portrays Ted and Marion's loss and causes us to question whether the joys in life are worth the pain that happens with their inevitable end. The "door" is like the gates of Eden. Once we pass through, we are no longer innocent. We know the pain of life.Kim Basinger is brilliant as the afflicted mother, but it is Jeff Bridges' portrayal of Ted Cole that steals the show. He manages to make Ted, a truly despicable character, into a man we can sympathize with, even love. His final act is unexpected and unspeakably poignant. This film joins the handful of films that I truly love.

A movie worth owning, and it improves with several viewings. Jeff Bridges at first comes across as a real jerk in his character role, but as you watch the film, the personalities are really hard to pin down as any cliché. It is a fascinating drama and very intense sexual undercurrents keep you in suspense. But it is not only an erotic story, there is also much humor and irony blended in.You see enough passion to get the point.It leaves you hungry for more, perhaps by design or intention of the producers of this storyKim is her naturally attractive self, and the mutual seduction between her and Eddie, is very well done, gradually getting you 'hooked' on the energy of his first infatuation.Also the layers of metaphor from the Children's story, 'Door in the Floor' weave into the story to make it very interesting from several unusual angles.

i liked the sexual scenes they were down to earth and not overdone. i enjoy the main people in other films.

Numerous other reviews have covered this movie thoroughly.I bought this dvd some time ago on amazon.I simply wanted to add my five star vote, as the movie is unusually haunting, elegant and starkly beautiful to me as well.It's one of few that I care to watch repeatedly- not to mention listen to the all instrumental soundtrack CD which matches and enhances the film's mood and achievement.Yes, it's a pity Jeff Bridges' performance was not recognized with an oscar(his finest understated yet difficult and complex role?), as well as moving performances by Kim Basinger and the whole cast.It's hard to believe that Jeff Bridges was *not* actually the character he played in this movie.Enjoy!

I have this theory that a lot of what John Irving writes is to keep himself and us all passing open windows, or in this case, not opening doors in the floor. That is, he writes to stave off and to encourage us to stave off, the darkest abysses of depression, depression being a step towards death.The gist of what John Irving does seems to me to be in this film. The same New Hampshire freedom and luxurious generosity of spirit is there, the loveable characters, youth & age, children everywhere somehow and landscape and the sea.I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

I love John Irving's books and I could not resist to buy this film as I was intriqued how did they manage to translate the text into its visual form. Although the film cover only a third of the actual book, I loved it. It stayed true to the book and the performance of Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger were outstanding. Especially Jeff playes Ruth's father with such an intensity I alsmost felt being drawn inside the film myself.I usually read the books first and then watch the films but in this case, I think it would not hurt to see the film first and then go and buy the book as there is so much more to it and I guarantee you would want to know more.

Very good film thoroughly enjoyed it but don't think it would suit every bodies tastes. Item came well packaged and by the date stated. Would recommend supplier and will use for further orders.

Ok.Good service from the seller

Based on the first third of the book, "A Widow For One Year", this film is a good stand-alone.