Winter Solstice (2004/I)

Director:

Josh Sternfeld

Writer:

Josh Sternfeld (written by)

Release Date:

24 November 2005 (Australia)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

In this suburban drama, a widower (played by Anthony LaPaglia) confronts his older son's (played by Aaron Stanford) decision to leave home and his younger son's self-destructive behavior.

Plot Keywords:

Basketball | Teacher | Automobile Accident | Argument | Teenager

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Anthony LaPaglia	...	Jim Winters
Aaron Stanford	...	Gabe Winters
Mark Webber	...	Pete Winters
Allison Janney	...	Molly Ripkin
Michelle Monaghan	...	Stacey
Brendan Sexton III	...	Robbie (as Brendan Sexton)
Ron Livingston	...	Mr. Bricker
Ebon Moss-Bachrach	...	Steve
Frank Wood	...	Bill Brennan
Kel O'Neill	...	Tim
Thomas Sadoski	...	Chris Bender
Kathleen Bridget Kelly	...	Mrs. Burton (as Kathleen Kelly)
Welker White	...	History Teacher
Jason Fuchs	...	Bob
Dana Segal	...	Math Teacher

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Brazil:10 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Canada:14A (Ontario) | USA:R | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA

Company:

Sound Pictures

Goofs:

Factual errors: In Peter's math class, his teacher says that the students will need to know the quadratic formula to pass the regents exam. Regents exams are only given in New York State, and not in New Jersey, where the film is set.

Soundtrack:

The Rookie Year

A study in the aftermath of loss

What happens when a spouse dies? There are no tender flashbacks in this film showing the husband and wife in their marital bliss before the wife dies. This film is about what happens afterward. Even five years later, the reverberations are being felt by the husband and his two young adult sons.

Keep your expectations realistic, and this film delivers. In a key scene, a high school history teacher asks the class, "Why did the Mongols turn back when they were poised to roll up Europe like a carpet?" Pete, the younger son, seems to know, but doesn't care to answer. The teacher offers to let him out of class (a makeup summer class) if he can answer.

Pete finally takes the bait: "Their leader died and they didn't know what to do." There you have it. Does the filmmaker do any more to explain what troubles this family? Yes, but you have to put the pieces together yourself. He doesn't make it hard; he just doesn't grind it up and put it in a baby food jar.

The film builds to some very touching scenes that explore the impact of loss on the three remaining family members. If you're interested in exploring how real people deal with the real issue of loss, you'll find something here.

The ending comes before you want it to, sure. There are no easy answers offered by the conclusion, but that's the way life is.