Ethan Frome

Stars: Liam Neeson (Darkman, Husbands and Wives), Patricia Arquette (Trouble Bound, True Romance), Joan Allen (In Country, Tucker). Based on Edith Wharton's 1911 novel of the same name, this lusciously filmed tragic tale stars Liam Neeson in the title role as a hard-working New Englander who marries the woman that cared for his ailing mother as she was dying. As a wife, Zeena (Joan Allen) turns out to be less than a great catch. Plagued by a nagging sickness herself, she becomes a bitter shrew who spends much of her time in bed. When Zeena's cousin Mattie (Patricia Arquette) comes to the Frome household to help with chores, the soul-dead Ethan is revived by this young woman, so vibrant and full of life. Eventually, Ethan and Mattie are left alone together when Zeena travels to another village to try out a new doctor, and then the romantic sparks fly. But--this being the 1900's not the 1990s--there's a price to pay for illicit love, and it's a steep one. Director John Madden's Ethan Frome is a lovely movie set during a New England winter, somewhat slowly paced, but nevertheless engaging due to Neeson's tortured performance as the trapped Ethan. Burdened by the weight of an oppressive relationship, he is transformed by Mattie's light and airy laugh, and it's a wonderful sight...for as long as it lasts. Audience: Most would enjoy this powerful romance. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review—Nov. 8, 2011—Echo Bridge, 99 min., PG, $6.99—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1995's Ethan Frome boasts a good transfer but no special features. Bottom line: a solid budget release of a fine adaptation.]