Do you remember a movie from the 50's called "The Bad Seed"? It starred Patty McCormick as a cunning, deceptive child with no conscience. Before the movie was over, she was implicated in the murder of up upstairs neighbor who had promised Rhoda her lovebirds after she died. Rhoda was clearly responsible for the death of a handy man who confronted her about his suspicions concerning the drowning death of one of rhoda's classmates.
Well, let me tell you, Rhoda has met her match. I spent the weekend reading We Need to Talk About Kevin, and watching the movie starring Oscar nominee Tilda Swinton. I cannot recall the last time a story disturbed me to the point of losing sleep. Right from the beginning of the book, we know that Kevn went on a Columbine style rampage at his school shortly before his 16th birthday.
That fact is horrifying enough, but equally disturbing is the dynamic inside the family. Eve never wanted to be a mother. Although she tries to be warm and responsible, she never quite catches on to the role. However, I am not sure that much would have changed had she been an attentive mother. Kevin was just too flawed. Dad is in total denial, partially because Kevin perfected the art of smoozing and manipulation. No one talks about Kevin - hence the title - even though Kevin himself hints at needing to do so.
The movie has some Fellini-esque moments, but once a concrete storyline emerges, it is more focused. Several layers of flashbacks can be confusing a times, and so much of the why is left open for speculation. Still, the performances are riviting, the total effect - disturbing.
As long as I'm on a not so pretty subject, did you happen to read Cindy Hodgson's HTR article about drug use/abuse? Part I appeared on Sunday. Cindy did thorough research for the revealing piece. I bet she'll win an award for it. Check it out.
For the latest Heart-a-Rama news, including the July 3rd reveal of our 2013 theme go to http://www.heartarama.blogspot.com/.
Happy 4th of July!
