Behind the Red Door (2003)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I watched this movie on cable recently because there was nothing else on at the time. The power of the film caught me by surprise--I'm amazed that it apparently didn't rate wider distribution (couldn't find a review in either of my movie guides). Its the story of a gay advertising exec (Sutherland) dying from AIDS and the complicated relationship that he has with his estranged sister (Sedgwick), a talented photographer. There are also references to the equally complicated relationships with their father (who probably murdered their mother). The realistic portrayal of these relationships is what drives this movie, bolstered by the outstanding performances of the actors. Sutherland is powerful as a dying man who is terrified and shows it by his alternating pleas for help and outbursts of anger at being helpless. Sedgwick is equally good as the sister who is cowed by her brother but trying to piece together the past and find resolution to the situation. The writer/director dedicated the film to "my brother Roy" and one wonders if this is the reason the film rings so true.

I watched this film last evening on cable after previously shutting it off when the AIDS subplot became apparent. My initial instinct proved valid. I am partial to Kyra Sedgewick, but am usually skeptical about Keifer Sutherland as a leading character in anything. Well, they both were equally bad with this badly written script which is badly edited and badly filmed in lovely St. John, Newfoundland. Gay stereotypes abound. Artistic personalities are also painted with a very broad roller. Ms. Channing bumbles through several scenes, but has little impact. I felt a little ashamed of hating this film so much when I read the final dedication in the credits, but I still begrudged the time I spent watching it. The message of reconciliation seemed hollow, a dysfunctional message from a dysfunctional family.

I think what really made this film work so well, other than the fantastic casting, is that the film never attempted to overreach its goal. it was striving for a human drama, and it captured the true essence of sibling bonds in what can only be described as elegant. The script, the power of the performances, are surprising and understated, which gives it all the marks of a weepie, while one cannot help but admire the courage of these real two people, which the film depicts. Kiefer Sutherland's performance was so subtle and beautiful at times that it was hard to watch him in a more typical role afterward, showing his diversity as an actor never ceases to amaze. Bravo! I would recommend this film to anyone who wishes to suspend any preconceived notions of him as a action or villain character actor and to invite them to view this film as a truly lovely piece of human drama. be warned, tissues are needed.

When I first saw this movie, I had a hard time following it because there was so much going on with all of the characters, particularly with their emotions. After seeing it a second time, I was extremely impressed with the character development of both Keifer Sutherland and Kyra Sedgwick. The growth, understanding, forgiveness (self-forgiveness as well as forgiveness to each other), was profound. I only hope that if you are having problems with a sibling or family member, you have the courage to watch this movie (as many times as it takes) and follow the example of "making up" before it's too late. I highly recommend this for older teens and all other family members. It's not for children mainly because of the language.