Ordinary People (1980)

Synopsis of Ordinary People

Robert Redford's directorial debut ended up the 1980 Oscar winner for Best Picture. It is a simple but painfully emotional story of the disintegration of a "perfect" family. Teenager Conrad (Timothy Hutton) lives under a cloud of guilt after his brother drowns after their boat capsizes in Lake Michigan. Despite intensive therapy sessions with his psychiatrist (Judd Hirsch), Conrad can't shake the belief that he should have died instead of his brother; nor do his preoccupied parents (Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore) offer much in the way of solace. The boy is brought out of his doldrums through his romance with Jeannine (Elizabeth McGovern). A winner in every respect, Ordinary People (adapted from the novel by Judith Guest) scores highest in the scenes with Mary Tyler Moore, who superbly and perceptively portrays a blinkered, ever-smiling suburban wife and mother for whom outward appearance is all that matters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

124 mins

Director(s):

Robert Redford

Writer(s):

Alvin Sargent

Producer(s):

Ronald L. Schwary

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Watch With Your Teen, Profanity, Not For Children, Adult Situations)

• 1980 - Directors Guild of America - Best Director
• 1980 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
• 1980 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
• 1980 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
• 1980 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1980 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - New Star of the Year - Male
• 1980 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Director
• 1980 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
• 1980 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1980 - National Board of Review - Best Director
• 1980 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Ordinary People?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions