Ordinary People (1980)
Synopsis / Plot
Teen-aged brothers and best friends Buck and Conrad Jarrett were involved in a boating accident which claimed Buck's life. Shortly thereafter, Conrad tried to commit suicide. After a four month hospitalization, Conrad is back in his upper middle class suburban Chicago home with his parents, Calvin and Beth Jarrett. The Jarretts collectively are publicly trying to get on with their lives, Conrad who is back at high school in his senior year partaking in his old activities such as the swim team and choir. But things in the Jarrett household are not all right. Although stating he is unsure why he decides to do so, Conrad restarts his psychiatric therapy outside of the hospital with a Dr. Berger. This therapy may be able to uncover the reasons for the Jarrett's collective unhappiness, and leads each to examine not only the overall family dynamic but the individual relationships with each of the other two.
Awards
1980: 4 Academy Awards: Best Movie, Director, Supporting Actor (Hutton), Adapted Screenplay. 6 Nominations
1980: 5 Golden Globes, including Best Movie - Drama. 8 nominations
1980: National Board of Review: Best Film
1980: New York Film Critics Circle: Best Film. 4 Nominations
1980: Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Supporting Actor (Hutton)
1980: Directors Guild of America (DGA): Best Director
1980: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Best Adapted Drama Screenplay
1981: BAFTA Awards: 2 Nom. including Best Actress (Mary Tyler Moore)