Five Moments of Honesty in Film – Number Five: In the Bedroom

Todd Field makes a superb directorial debut with In the Bedroom. His supremely understated masterpiece captures some of the finest performances in the last twenty years. Among the ensemble are Sissy Spacek and Marisa Tomei portraying Ruther Fowler and Natalie Strout, respectively.

Ruth and Natalie are tragically connected after a heinous murder claims the life of Ruth’s son, Frank. Natalie and Frank were dating before he was senselessly killed by Natalie’s jealous ex-husband. Now, in this small Maine community, Ruth and Natalie must cope with daily life after suffering a tragic loss.
 
In this devastating scene, Natalie attempts to make amends with Ruth, apologizing for her role in Frank’s death.

There is much suspense in the stillness. And that slap, in turn, becomes deafening.