Birthpsychology at the Movies
Jim Sheridan's In America (20th Century Fox, 2004)
Reviewed by Kim GarrettI am writing to point out an amazing movie, rich with prenatal and perinatal themes.
In America is about an Irish family--a mom, dad, and two strikingly vibrant little girls--who move to New York City so the dad can pursue an acting career. It becomes clear, as the movie opens, that the family has recently experienced the loss of one of their members, a son. Details of this loss slowly unfold as the viewer is permitted entrance to the inner landscape of this family. One's heart cannot help but widen. Honestly, I felt so deeply for this family, I felt lonesome for them the next day.We slowly learn about each family member's relationship to the lost child, and about the way each member's identity shifts in his absence. The intimacy of shared trauma is resplendently displayed. At one moment, as the parents’ watch their children "trick or treating" from another floor of their apartment building, father says, "Why am I so anxious?" Mother doesn't move her gaze from the children as she calmly answers, "It's the stairs".
The children make an unforgettable friend in the building; what he has to offer them regarding their grief is pure grace. There is a birth in this movie, and the ending will move you deeply as you watch the family make their peace.
The first time I saw this movie, not a soul in the theatre moved when it was over. Even after all the credits had concluded, everyone just sat there, silent. I was thrilled to feel an entire audience so deeply moved.
This movie is about family. And each member will show you something important. But it is the two little girls who will blow you away with their humanity, and with their capacity.
Jim Sheridan wrote this story and dedicated it to his own son Frankie, the name of the son in the movie. I heard later that Mr. Sheridan struggled to finish the story and that his two daughters finished the story for him. Do not miss this opportunity.