May 25, 2001 01:56 PM
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The Cider House Rules is adapted by John Irwing, from his novel of the same name and directed by Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat). The movie is very rich in its fable and metaphor. And it is a warm and gentle carnival of all the convolutions of life. Lasse Hallstrom and Irving have carved out this movie with relaxing concentration that never slips away from the harsh realities, simultaneously holding on to the simpler moments. They together view the world with compassion.
St Clouds, Maine is an isolated but picturesque place. Those who get down from the train on to the platform will have their eyes arrested by a brick building silhouetted against a mountain ledge in the woods of New England. This is an orphanage to where people go to leave a child, to adopt a child or not to have a child. Dr Larch (Michael Caine) manages the orphanage. He is the “caretaker of many and father of none”. Homer Wells (Toby Maguire), when he was a newborn babe, was left at the orphanage as the family that wanted to adopt him said, ”he doesn’t cry”. Babies who don’t cry, perhaps, will have a quite nature when they grow up as Homer has. Dr Larch has a special attachment towards him and Homer grows up under his umbrella of love and care. He trains and instructs him in all aspects of gynecology.
It is 1943 and Homer is narrating the story of the movie allowing a gentle sadness to percolate into our souls, in a quite tacit manner. The children live surrounded by others, but still a lonely life. Dr Larch goes through the ritual every night while the children retire to bed, saying “ Good night, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England”. Did I not feel a lump in my throat with tears flooding my eyes? Yes I did. I cried profusely looking at the innocent creations of God, seeing their tranquil and seemingly happy faces with their eyes looking far into nothingness, into the surrounding darkness. Lasse Hallstrom has succeeded in stirring our emotions with the painting of this situation.
Homer differs with Dr Larch on the concept of abortion that is done in the orphanage. While Dr Larch believes that he is helping the women to forget their mistakes and giving them a chance to live a corrected life, Homer emphasizes the value of the child’s life and the mother’s responsibility. Lasse Hallstrom and Irwing do not sermonize the issue, but leave it to the viewers to ponder in their own way. Homer grows up, his dreams too. He yearns to see the outside world beyond the orphanage. When Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron) arrives with her boy friend Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) at the orphanage for an abortion, Homer feels that is the opportune moment to leave the place and he leaves with Wally and Candy. The orphanage becomes gloomier with the departure of Homer.
Homer signs as a picker at Wally’s orchard. He stays with the migrants at the Cider House. Homer finds the Cider House as a mirror image of the orphanage as the migrants live like orphans depending on one another. Rose (Delroy Rindo) is the leader of the workers and his daughter, also Rose ( Erykah Badu) is staying at the house. Wally leaves for his service and Homer finds enchanted with Candy. The man in him experiences love for the first time and enjoys the forbidden fruit. The unnatural relationship of Rose with his daughter may raise many eyebrows, but the director does not weigh the pros and cons and leaves it to the viewers to contemplate on the irony of fate.
Irving’s story is simple and complex at the same time. It is original and rapt. It tells you of courage, family and self-discovery. The razor sharp story line is built up systematically and there is not a single dull moment throughout the movie. The characters have an honest, real and considerate composition. It proves that to err is human and nobody is pure.
Michael Caine has portrayed his roll with the usual brilliance. As the head of the orphanage and the protector of the children, he has shone in the roll of a man weighed down by the abandonment and the heartbreak that surround him. Toby Maguire as Homer has a bright purity and innocence and he has performed with an astute brilliance. His optimistic innocence is a treat to watch. The inmates of the Cider house have equally acted well, especially Delroy Lindo as Rose, the loving and erring father and Erykah Badu presents a very emotional acting as his daughter caught up in a whirlpool of circumstances outside her control.
Rules are made, sometimes not to be observed, and Cider House Rules are no exception. When you come out of the movie, you might feel a transformation, viewing the outside world, with a clearer picture of your place in it.
Happy Viewing!!!
