The Quiet (2006)

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

One of my all time favorites.

A Disappointing Continuation

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Certain things are obvious, especially if you have seen a movie or two. But if you haven't read anything about this, don't fear, I won't spoil anything. Especially the one dark secret concerning Cuthberts character. And even writing this I don't really give anything away. But be cautious because we are talking really messed up when it comes to that particular part of the story.And it's something you'll see early on (though fortunately not in full detail) and it should disturb. That's something the movie is aiming for. The acting is good and you get as much tension as is necessary. The characters are very well defined and this is more than decent overall

So I'm shopping for a new set of PC speakers to replace my old Labtec pair that have been loyal to me for nearly 20 years, grab a cheap pair and stroll down the DVD aisle. Comedy? No. Sci-fi? Maybe. TV shows? Nah. Action or drama? Possibly. Then I see an Elisha Cuthbert special. An erotic thriller. Cool! I think. Some hot babes and probably a big shootout at the end after some criminal strangeness or something.Err, no.The film wasn't all that surprising, but nor was it too predictable all at once. There's a very nice melding of style with the true-crime genre, giving us a very stylized noire like presentation for a story of abuse and revenge.There's a real twisting of emotions as we look at the perversion of a family gone awry. It's a hard film to watch at time, however well shot. It's not a story for the feint of heart, but nor are there any real B- movie moments where we see Hollywood marketers interfere with the film making process; i.e. a boat doesn't explode on page 58 or some nonsense. One wonders how a family goes down this path. The film never addresses that. Was there a miswiring in the character? Something genetic? A "family tradition" that he inherited? Again, we never find out. What we discover is the undercurrent of the facade of portion of mainstream America. But the truth what's portrayed here undulates in all cultures, not just the suburban US.If I had one criticism it's that it's not my kind of film. I'm glad I saw it, but I'm not sure it's a film I can really recommend unless you're really into the whole crime drama scene. There are some great extras on the DVD to help explain the film some.I'm glad the film is what it is, and it's a very honest story, but like I say, it's not a film for the feint of heart. No gore, just some very hairy situations.Welp, back to watching "The Wind and the Lion" for me :-)RESCREENED MARCH 19th, 2015 Okay, I'm close to saying forget what I wrote, and am tempted to delete what I had written, because I feel pretty idiotic in my initial analysis, but, here goes the apology.When I screened this film I wasn't sure what to expect, and got a different movie than I was expecting (such is the danger of the blind buy). But viewing it thoroughly once more I can see why some of the professional reviewers panned it. As I stated in the comments section on the BBS dedicated to this film, the premise doesn't hold up very well.The film posits that a kind of addiction to enable the father character to exact his desires on the family. According to a study that was tossed my way there's no linkage in what the film states is its core argument.The situation presented in the film is more or less a product of character behavioral makeup, a good portion of which is dictated by genetics. I'll also add that I've actually known a couple of females who were in Nina's situation, and the way they handled it was far different from what's portrayed in the film. I feel like I've done the casual reader a disservice by not remember that.Either way the film is factually inaccurate in spite of some first class production values. Take that for what it's worth. I can't think of any alternative titles on abusive households, but I'm sure there are better offerings out there.

I for one hadn't even heard of this movie, until I was flipping thru a magazine and noticed some sexy pictures of Elisha Cuthbert from a 2005 entry titled "The Quiet". And as many would agree Elisha is some fine eye candy any appearance from her is a must watch! After viewing "The Quiet" it was indeed a treat for other reasons the film does have an interesting story to it as it's theme and genre brushes all the elements of suspense, drama, romance, and eroticism. Plus the film twist when hidden secrets are revealed as it's all tied in with a connection of sex, lies, and betrayal.A suburban couple(Edie Falco of TV's "The Sopranos" and Martin Donovan of "Weeds") are trying to raise two teenage daughters all along while trying to cope with their inner demons of medication addiction pill popping and a girl daddy complex. The original daughter Nina(Elisha Cuthbert as cute and sexy as ever) is the sexy pretty popular sassy cheerleader who's attracts all the guys, yet it's with the arrival of a second daughter a godchild Dot(Camilla Belle)who was taken in after her parents death that all the attention is focused in on. Dot is a strange alienated young girl who's apparently deaf and mute supposedly she can read lips and she receives the most comfort from piano playing.Slowly the girls develop a bonding relationship as Dot wraps the entire family up as they all can use her as a board to balance emotions. Then the film starts to twist as secrets are revealed about both girls, as clearly Dot has kept some big secrets buried for so long and Nina will confess a dark and wicked secret that needs to be addressed even though it will destroy all in the family. Also just to mention you as the viewer are treated to a couple of scenes of Elisha in a dark purple silk colored bra, I cherished those they were certainly screen savers and worth pausing the film just to get an extended look.Anyway to sum it up "The Quiet" even though no big name movie is worth a watch for it's surprises and twist that proves everyone has secrets and they are best to be revealed as people can only hold lies for so long, because as you reveal them yourself it's less painful in the end. Plus the cast was top notch especially Falco and Donovan and to see the sexy and juicy eye candy performance from Elisha Cuthbert will satisfy your hunger and give you a tasty feel.

The Quiet was released largely under the radar in 2005; and as such I didn't really know what to expect going into it. After having seen it, I have to say that I'm not really surprised that the film has not won itself a mass market following, as it's a long way away from being mainstream. However, despite lacking mainstream appeal; The Quiet is still a very well acted and intriguing character study. The main themes of the plot are deception and secrets and the plot focuses on a girl named Dot. Dot is deaf and mute and has just suffered the loss of her father; her mother having died some years previously. Dot has been sent to live with the family of her mother's friend; which comprises a mother, a father and a daughter Dot's age. The daughter takes an instant dislike to Dot; thus increasing her alienation from the family and society as a whole. However, as the relationship between the pair develops; it soon becomes apparent that the family Dot is staying with are harbouring a very dark secret...I saw The Quiet's trailer shortly after seeing the film and I have to say that if I had seen the trailer first, I probably wouldn't have seen the film. It's not that the trailer is badly put together; but rather it sums up the film by the fact that it's very difficult to pigeon-hole. The Quiet does not particularly belong to any genre; parts of it could be described as 'thriller' and there are 'drama' elements too; but really the film just is what it is. This lack of any predefined structure ultimately means that it's never really clear where The Quiet is going to go; and it's that which ultimately makes it interesting. The central character is a real enigma and brilliantly played by the beautiful Camilla Belle. The film is lead by a narration from the central character; which gives us just enough insight into the character for her to always remain intriguing. The plot eventually shifts its main focus from building the characters to the dark revelation and this plot line is ultimately weightier because of what the audience has invested in the characters up to this point. I have to say that The Quiet is not a film that will appeal to everyone; but for me it pushed all the right buttons. I would recommend going into this with no pre-defined expectations (don't watch the trailer!) and it might just catch you off guard. Highly recommended viewing!