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A MAP OF THE WORLD Send This Review to a Friend
A curve is thrown in "A Map of the World," which early on appears to be about a terrible tragedy involving a child, and then veers into a drama involving an unfair accusation of abuse in the kind of injustice that has wreaked havoc on many innocent people subjected to witch hunts that have cropped up in different parts of the United States. The story is based on Jane Hamilton's novel and directed by Scott Elliott, who has made his mark in the theater but is making his debut as a feature filmmaker.
Apart from an interesting, worthy plot, the prime attraction here is Sigourney Weaver, who excels in the complicated role of Alice Goodwin, a woman married to a farmer in rural Wisconsin and working as a school nurse. Weaver must reveal Alice in the throes of emotional difficulty trying to fulfill her role as wife and mother when we meet her, and then must combine breaking down, defiance and courage in the face of what befalls Alice, already guilt-ridden from the tragedy that occurred. Weaver is impressive on all levels, including when she resorts to sarcastic humor that is part of her resistance. Julienne Moore handles a less complex role as Alice's friend, and David Strathairn as Alice's husband properly conveys his mixed feelings of sympathy and resentment.
Unfortunately the telling of the story is not handled compellingly enough. The pacing is lethargic and the ingredients are not put together with sufficient impact. Perhaps it is the director's lack of film experience, but with such emotional events, he and screenwriters Peter Hedges and Polly Platt should have been able to provide a consistently wrenching drama. For example, the courtroom where key action takes place is quite deserted, not logical in view of the up-in-arms attitude of the community. There is rarely enough dramatic tension to match what's happening.
Weaver, who is a fascinating, resourceful actress, must carry the film on her shoulders, and she does. It's a performance bound to draw attention but the total result is disappointing considering the opportunity. A First look Pictures release.
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