Rabbit Hole

Nicole Kidman has an outstanding resume collected in the past 25 years. The Hours, Moulin Rouge!, Eyes Wide Shut, The Interpreter, Margot at the Wedding, The Others, Birth, Dogville, Nine, Cold Mountain, the list goes on. She's proved herself to be the best working actress out there, today, but has had a bit of a rough patch since her Oscar win with many films flopping critically and or financially. "Rabbit Hole" reiterates the fact she's the best there is.

Kidman plays Becca with intense, explosive motivation. She really gets under your skin; you see Becca, not Nicole Kidman. It really is a landmark in her career. She's bound to get a well- earned Oscar nomination and will go head-to-head with Natalie Portman for the win (Don't you wish there were more ties?) She transforms into the role and drenches it in realism. sorrow. It's beyond words can describe and mothers who've gone through such a horrible loss will thank Kidman left and right.

The script plays a character itself. Its dark subject matter was a risky one, but it unflinchingly succeeds at all costs. It displays accurately the process of grief and does justice to the sorrowful topic. The much needed comic relief moments are in there as well, which lightens up the mood. Some dialogue will stick with you as you leave this film and will haunt you. You'll find yourself repeating what's said in the film. The direction goes hand-in-hand with the script. The delicate approach is perfectly matched. With a film like this, it could be over- the-top and obnoxious, or flat and lifeless, but the director finds just the right note and strikes it right for 90 minutes.

Aaron Eckhart plays opposite Kidman as the husband, Howie. He is dignifying in his depiction of a grieving father in need of conquer this tragedy. Diane Weist is also a wonderful standout as Becca's mother who has also lost a child. She has her dramatic moments which are the weight of her performance, but has so much warmth to her character which really makes you care for her.

Rabbit Hole isn't to be missed. It's a fascinating, deep, and moving film that will knock you on your feet. Kidman is terrific, but not without the support of Eckhart and Weist. The score is also brilliant and beautiful. At a nice, short running-time, Rabbit Hole will have an impact on your day.

'RABBIT HOLE': Four Stars (Out of Five)

David Lindsay-Abaire adapts his tragic play about a couple who lose their young son in a car accident. The film is directed by actor turned director Cameron Mitchell (who also directed 'SHORTBUS' and 'HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH', in which he also played the title character). It stars Golden Globe nominee Nicole Kidman (who also produced the film) and Aaron Eckhart (who's equally impressive). The film is full of tough hard to watch drama and strikes a very realistic and believable tone. Depressing but worth the watch.

The film focuses on how each spouse copes differently with their tragedy. Becca (Kidman) wants to get rid of everything that reminds her of her son, including the dog he chased into the street the day he was struck by a car. Howie (Eckhart) wants to hold on to all the things that bring him cherished memories of his son, including videos he constantly watches and the dog (which he brings back into the home after getting into a heated argument with his wife over it). The couple's marriage nearly falls apart as each looks for comfort in different ways. Becca finds peace in an odd relationship with the teenage driver (Miles Teller) who struck their son and Howie finds happiness with others outside the home as well including a mutual friend of he and Becca's (Sandra Oh) they know from a counseling group. Dianne Wiest plays Becca's mother who also lost a son but, as Becca points out, an adult son to drugs.

The film has some dark comedic moments to lift the tension but for the most part it's a pretty hard hitting drama. The acting is all outstanding, especially the two leads, and the film is smartly written as well as nicely directed. Some might be afraid to watch it because of it's dark depressing subject matter but it does manage to find a little small ray of hope in the darkness. Of course there's no happy endings here but it has some nice commentary to deliver on life and coping with tragedy.

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Rabbit Hole is a tragic tale that won't sadden viewers. That is simply not the purpose despite what the plot and trailer may show. Rabbit Hole is a story of how two previously happy couple cope with the loss of their four-year-old son. The what/who/where/why/how is what makes Rabbit Hole one of 2010's finest films.

Right off the bat you will notice what surrounds this couple; a world filled with joy and life at the worst moment in their lives. This feeling does not lend itself to that Oscar-feeling feel it may have wanted but it certainly works.

These actors give highly realistic performances that fit perfectly with this demanding plot. Nicole Kidman steals the show with her best performance (and movie) since 'Eyes Wide Shut'. Aaron Eckhart also gives a terrific performance as the grieving husband and father and, after 'Love Happens', shows that he is back to serious acting as he was in 'The Dark Knight'.

The best aspect of Rabbit Hole is how you begin by knowing very little about these characters but end up knowing them as if they were your own neighbors. You progressively learn what happened to their son and other details within their past that fit perfectly together without feeling as they are giving the audience answers. The dialogue also lends itself to this method and, surprisingly, never feels directed to the audience.

What I found unique is how with such a depressing feel to the film, it never actually makes the viewer sad, but interested. It is a film that will make you laugh more than cry and I found that impressive. It isn't your normal tear-jerker; you are watching this couple live their lives and deal with this death in an interesting way. Rabbit Hole never has a dull moment; my eyes were glued to the screen from the start.

Rabbit Hole is simply one of the finest films of 2010. Its execution is sometimes brilliant and the feeling of self-awareness and thought it lends to the viewer is unlike anything you may have ever seen. It's not your run-of-the-mill Oscar contender. Rabbit Hole is a beautiful tale of life. And death.

A subject like this requires attention and scrupulousness and it definitely had plenty of both. Based on the book "Rabbit Hole" written by David-Lindsay Abaire, the movie is riveting as far as execution and concept. It's very well organized, it's narrative structure is impressive and it definitely catches you emotionally. The story is about a family, husband (Aaron Eckhart) and wife (Nicole Kidman), that have to deal with the emotional consequences of losing their 4 years old child. In order to free themselves they have to accept the past and move on and also to regain their trust in themselves and recommit to their marriage. The movie is getting real honest approaching the human's allowance to forgiveness when the confrontation between the "broken" family and the one responsible for that finally has place. It might appear to be a simple story but it's not thanks to the patience and passion the director, John Cameron Mitchell, invested in it. Dazzling visually and very inspiring, this movie succeeds to entertain, amaze and replenish it's audience with hope in totality.

Carried not only by it's execution but also by it's memorable Oscar-worthy performances, Rabbit Hole finds himself to be one of the best movies of 2010. Nicole Kidman as the simple Becca, offers one of her best performances in a long time. It's a simply astounding, honest and passionate performance of this weakened but reasonable and powerful woman that must be rewarded by the Academy with at least a nomination if not the award itself. Aaron Eckart does not get over-shadowed by Kidman's performance and proves once again that by portraying Becca's husband, Howie, his acting capabilities exceed our expectations. There are also notable performances by Dianne Wiest as Becca's mother and Miles Teller as the one responsible for the suffered loss.

Visually the movie finds it's own identity in the beautiful palette of colors. The cinematography it's the most you could ask for this kind of movie. There's no need for any other requirements. The most beautiful thing though it's the soundtrack which as simple as it might be... it fits the atmosphere and the story perfectly. Those violin and guitar chords, the little piano rolling in the background create a unique peaceful mood.

What I do want at the end of my review is to recommend this movie to anyone because it's simple but stunning, it's usual but complex, carried by three overwhelming performances. This is without a doubt one of the best movies released this year.

Recently I saw Rabbit Hole, a drama that centers on a married couple that includes Becca (Played by Nicole Kidman), and Howie (Played by Aaron Eckhart), who are going through a tough time. It's been eight months since their child, Danny, was unexpectedly killed after he was hit by a car. They also go through tough times with Becca's family, a young boy she begins having conversations with, and a veteran of their support group (Played by Sandra Oh).

The film is not always highly ambitious, but it's a slow burning, devastating experience. The film is written by David Lindsay-Abbaire, and based on his stage play. He writes the film with a realistic touch, and words it oh so finely. Themes of emotional hardships, and desire to block out the past are very much so explored within the film. Still, as thoughtful as the writing and direction may be, the film can't help but feel stagy at points, and a tad distracted.

Regardless, I recommend seeing it, if only to behold the performances of Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart. Their performances are brimming with heart, and they infuse genuine heartbreak, anger, and joy (What little there is) into their performances. They give us gripping and memorable portrayals of sorrow and regret.

Sure, I'm not too fond of a few things, but I still liked Rabbit Hole. I give it *** out of ****