Ordinary People

Rating: 4/5

When it comes to my journey through the Academy Award Best Picture Winners, the ‘70s was by far the most groundbreaking. There was an unmistakable shift that hit Hollywood during that time, so because of that, I was very intrigued to see what the ‘80s would bring, but was rather surprised with its first winner of the decade, Ordinary People.

My surprise however, was not something negative. I only mean to say that compared to most of the movies that came from the ten years before it, Ordinary People seemed to have a slightly more grounded or traditional sense of story. That being said, it also tackled topics of grief and loss in a way that I hadn’t seen in the Best Picture winners prior.

Ordinary People boasts a strong collection of impressive performances, especially in Donald Sutherland. I’ve often felt he deserves more awards recognition than he’s received in his lengthy career, and this movie is yet another showcase of his talents. Mary Tyler Moore is also phenomenal. She’s proof of the ongoing theory that many performers who are very gifted in comedy, can likely be equally as prolific in drama.

Ordinary People was a highlight movie for a decade of Best Picture Winners I found to be a little difficult to get through. It’s a movie I will certainly be revisiting in the near future.

1981 Best Picture Winner - Ordinary People

1981 Best Actor in a Supporting Role Winner - Timothy Hutton

1981 Best Director Winner - Robert Redford

1981 Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium Winner - Alvin Sargent