Available today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download is the (depressing) drama, The Glass Castle.
The film stars Naomi Watts, Bri Larson and Woody Harrelson.
The film is based on the novel written by former New York gossip columnist Jeannette Walls. It’s based on her childhood which was filled with poverty, neglect, an abusive alcoholic father and a mother who didn’t seem to care that much about her and her siblings. Needless to say this is NOT a “happy” movie – not by a long shot!
Jeannette and her siblings lived with their mother Rose Mary and their father Rex. Rex is an abusive alcoholic with big dreams of building a castle out of glass – yet he can’t keep a job or save money. Rose Mary is an artist that prefers to focus on her art more so then her own children. She works from time to time as a teacher.
The family moves from place to place, often staying with relatives (which is not always a good thing either).
The film is based on more recent events and a lot of flashbacks that focus on Jeannette’s life growing up (how she managed to stay sane I’ll never know).
Jeanette eventually has a successful life as an adult, but growing up was painful and very difficult.
I think those are two good word to describe this film – painful and difficult. It’s not that it isn’t a good film (it is!), but witnessing the poverty and horror Jeannette and her sibling went through growing up was really tough to watch. No child should ever have to experience things like that.
The interesting thing is that their father, Rex, is such a complex individual. You want to like him because of his creative, unorthodox ways, but at the same time you want to throw his behind in prison for what he put those children through.
Even Watt’s character I wanted to like, and in a way I did feel sorry for her, but at the same time I wanted to reach into my screen and shake her, yelling at her to WAKE UP! and see what she was doing to her children.
The children in this film (actors) are AMAZING! They have such talent at very young ages, especially considering the “adult” material in this film. Kudos to all of the child actors in this film.
This is a DEEP movie. It’s very thought provoking and I’m sure you will be thinking about it long after the end credits are done rolling. I watched the movie a few days ago and I’m STILL feeling it.
Bonus features for this title include:
BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
- 9 Deleted Scenes
- The Glass Castle: Memoir to Movie
- A Conversation with Jeannette Walls
- Making of “Summer Storm” by Joel P West
- Scoring The Glass Castle
If you have the opportunity to view the bonus features, or at least one of them, I would recommend The Glass Castle: Memoir to Movie. It will give you a better appreciation for what it took to bring the novel to life on the big screen.
I would not recommend this film for children. It’s rated PG-13, but I think it’s a bit too “deep” for 13 year olds. I would recommend it for over 16+ (that is just my personal opinion).
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. This is the theatrical trailer. The film is now available for home viewing.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Cheryl says
There are some good actors in the movie. I’ll be looking for it.