The Man in the Attic (1995)

A Major Disappointment

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

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

far to be remarkable, it is a nice work. correct acting, right dose of tension, a common story who can seduce large part of public. and flavor of old novels about secrets and gray final of it. you can see it without high expectations but, in same measure, without feel of time waist. the good part is the art of Neil Patrick Harris to define his role and the Thchekov/Tennesee Williams Krista by Anne Archer.Hallmark style and a clean end. movie as surrogate for a kind of literature about fool love and interdict sentimental adventure. a good subject for Hitchcock but far by his recipes. short, a nice film for a Friday evening.

This is an excellent film, well-made and well-acted that makes an extraordinary story believable. The characters are multi-layered and performances suitably reflect that. Anne Archer sensitively depicts a woman devastated by the loss of her son, sexually dominant, often deceitful, but possessing a heart and conscience. Neil Patrick Harris appears by turns uncertain, shy, horny, demanding and submissive in the role of Edward Broder, a man who chose to live under a kind of voluntary house arrest to be with the woman he loved. Len Cariou is credible when he plays a husband who is harsh and cruel and equally so when he is endearingly "lovesick."I was so intrigued by the knowledge that this tale of a man who lived in a couple's attic for years without the husband knowing he was there was based on a true story that I simply had to research it further. It turned out to be inspired by the story of Otto Sanhuber who lived in the attic of Fred and Dolly Oesstreich, about whom I have a story at Court TV's Crime Library. This movie is so good that it rewards re-watching when the viewer can appreciate its multiple layers of interaction and meaning.

Anne Archer plays Krista Heldman a wife of a business owner Joseph Heldman play by Len Cariou. Neil Patrick Harris plays Edward Broder the friend of their son. Joseph hires Edward since he is close friend of his son. Edward get familiar with the family and suddenly when the son dies the situation chances. Joseph begin to be abusive to Krista and Edward more than a friend to Krista a lover. When Joseph finds out about the affair Edward losing his job and home. Edward nowhere to go Krista hides him in the attic. Will Joseph ever find Edward in the top of the house? All the performances are excellent in this made for TV movie.

This is one of Norman Winski's later works. It shows maturity, talent and unique creative style. I first saw it on MOVIE OF THE WEEK, and again. I enjoyed as much or even more the second time I saw it. there are little hidden manings everywhere.