Open Window

Based on her own experiences, writer-director Mia Goldman's Open Window avoids the overblown histrionics of similar fare as it tells the story of a rape and its aftermath. Robin Tunney delivers a powerful performance as Izzy, a photographer who is stalked and ultimately raped in her own home by a stranger, throwing the relationship with her fiancé Peter (Joel Edgerton) into turmoil, while also straining the complicated bonds with her mother (Cybill Shepherd) and father (Elliott Gould). Goldman deftly captures the sometimes unexpected psychological nuances arising from deep emotional upheaval and grief (after Izzy tells her mother about the attack, for example, it is Izzy who winds up doing the comforting). Open Window is an affecting drama with intense performances that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include an audio commentary with director Goldman and producers Thomas Barad and Midge Sanford, a pair of “making-of” featurettes, a PSA about rape, and a trailer. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a solid drama.] (M. Johanson)