There is a time throughout the constant release of summer blockbusters in the months of May through August when a tiny, independent film makes its way (often slowly) into theaters across the nation. I experienced this pleasure earlier in the summer with the film Chloe starring Amanda Seyfried and Julianne Moore and have once again experienced it - to an even greater extent - with Rodrigo Garcia's film Mother and Child. With an appropriate rating of 82% over at Rotten Tomatoes, critics agree: this film is an honest portrayal of motherhood and adoption and an emotional roller coaster that will have you identifying with each character's struggle, joy, and heartbreak.
The film explores the topic of motherhood and adoption through three storylines that eventually intertwine, a narrative tool used by Garcia in in his previous works such as Nine Lives. Karen (Annette Bening) is a troubled, middle-aged woman who gave up her daughter (Naomi Watts) almost 40 years ago after giving birth at 14. Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is a powerful, career-obsessed woman who eventually struggles with her own issues of adoption. Finally, Lucy (Kerry Washington) searches for the adoption of a daughter of her own with her husband.
One of the strongest aspects of the film, as many critics observe, are the performances. A.O. Scott with the New York Times says it best: "If you need reasons to see 'Mother and Child,' just read the names between the parentheses of this review (and add Jimmy Smits, as a goodhearted co-worker of Karen’s who gently tries to pierce her armor)." Our three leads supply incredible insights with characters that are complex yet recognizable, however Elizabeth's lines are sometimes stiff to remind us of her power and independence, yet the supporting roles are just as excellent and surprising. Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits play incredible, caring men who make the extra effort to care for the women they love. Shareeka Epps ()who deserved and received praise for her breakout role in Half Nelson) plays a tough, intelligent pregnant woman giving up her baby for adoption. Each character is full of realism and life, written incredible by Rodrigo Garcia's words. Another comfort with the characters in Mother and Child is the racial diversity: it's always nice to see a collection of color on-screen instead of the Hollywood white-wash effect.
Garcia's writing and direction help carry these characters throughout their three incredible plot lines, eventually intersecting at the film's end. What I try to find, when looking for great writing in a film, is the ability for a film to make comment on a number of issues throughout. This film, essentially, is concerned with motherhood and adoption, however, Garcia takes on many issues such as age, religion, and race. There is one scene where Elizabeth brings Paul (Samuel L. Jackson) to her apartment. She runs into her stereotypical, white, married neighbors and introduces him, comically stating "He's my father." She then remarks to Paul that it's only a matter of time until the couple speculates the hypothetical birth of their child: "Will it be white? Will it be black?" These quick interludes between these taboo topics are executed well within Garcia's intelligent writing.
What can really set a scene for emotional success isn't always dialogue. Very often, a scene is strongest when a character is doing what appears to be nothing: staring off-screen, laughing, or even putting on make-up. Michael Koresky with indieWIRE comments on Garcia's talent with this tool: "And though the film could never be called visually daring, Garcia here and there makes room for expertly crafted little grace notes..." There is one excellent scene where Elizabeth stands in an elevator, holding back a painful cry that she so excruciatingly longs to execute. These instances happen quite often throughout the film and caused this critic to swell up with tears, an action personally not often executed when watching a film. Garcia is at his best with his direction in this film, executing strong, emotional scenes with the smallest touches.
Ann Hornaday with The Washington Post is one of few critics who disliked the film, stating the film is "handled with restraint and insight -- at least until the film's maudlin, too-pat finale." Hornaday doesn't quite delve into the details of her dislike with the finale, but it is difficult to trust a review when Hornaday constantly misspells Garcia's last name. She either needs a spelling lesson or needs to escape her upper-class L.A. home.
But who should see the film? Ideally, everyone: no matter your age, sex, or gender, there is always an aspect of each character and storyline with which to identify. However, this film is meant for mothers and daughters. There is one scene in the film where Lucy struggles to calm her baby's cries. Ultimately defeated, she calls upon her mother who successfully puts the baby to sleep. Lucy herself continues crying, exclaiming "I don't love this baby. I can't do this." Her mother quickly reacts, scolding her: "What the fuck did you think being a mother was?" This is the central message of the film: to divulge the difficulties of motherhood, whether it is through nature or nurture, and identify the various struggles that each woman may face. After viewing the film I encouraged my own mother to buy a ticket, and I encourage all the rest of you as well.
