The Myth of Fingerprints Movie Review 1997

Four adult siblings and their various partners return to their New England home to spend Thanksgiving with their parents. As with most movie families of upper-middle class status, old resentments and issues abound. Dad (Scheider), a sullen, misanthropic near-recluse, isn't thrilled about the reunion. Younger son Warren (Wyle) hopes to reconcile with his high school sweetheart. Older sister Mia (Moore) can't think of anything nice to say about anyone, and tomboy sister Leigh (Holloman) does the sibling rivalry dance with her. Subdued and interesting, Freundlich's debut doesn't go for a grand conclusion or startling revelation. Depending on your taste for pat endings and easy answers, that could be it's greatest asset or a reason not to bother. Excellent performances by a great cast should have a bearing on the decision.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 91 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Unhappy Meals, Family Drama, Bad Dads, Thanksgiving, Horrible Holidays, Shrinks, Brothers & Sisters

Screenplay

Bart Freundlich

Cast

Blythe Danner, Roy Scheider, Julianne Moore, Noah Wyle, Michael Vartan, Laurel Holloman, Hope Davis, Brian Kerwin, James LeGros

Cinematography

Stephen Kazmierski

Director

Bart Freundlich

Music

David Bridie, John Phillips

Producer

Tim Perell, James Schamus, Ted Hope, Good Machine, Eureka Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics