Housekeeping

Housekeeping is a profound and sometimes heartbreakingly poignant drama film that was released in 1987. And despite its simply generic title, it uncovers a labyrinth of complex themes which pay a soulful testament to the unpredictability and heterogeneity of human nature. The film explores familial ties, the ambiguity of societal norms, and the relentless, often unattended, pursuit of freedom, individuality, and truth.

Christine Lahti, who has a reputation for painting vibrant, multifaceted, and thoughtful characters, leads the cast, magnificently bringing to life a character astonishingly different from any of her previous roles. Housekeeping introduces us to a narrative wrapped around Lahti’s character, Sylvie. Sylvie is not your quintessential Hollywood heroine. She is radically different, seen as a misfit by the conventional society, her unconventional behavior seeping into the home she shares with her nieces, Ruth and Lucille, played intricately by Sara Walker and Andrea Burchill, respectively.

The movie, set amid the glorious landscapes of the Pacific NorthWest and based on the novel of the same name by Marilynne Robinson, wastes no time in unraveling the backdrop. Two young girls, Ruth and Lucille, abruptly find themselves in the care of Sylvie, their eccentric aunt, after the death of their mother and subsequent abandonment by everyone else. These girls are young, impressionable, and malleable, yet the world, amid their tender years, forces them into disarray.

Sylvie's character, whimsical yet deeply soulful, presents a stark contrast to the stern sophistication of the town they live in. She is misunderstood, dismissed as bizarre, and ultimately deemed unfit for society. But while the townsfolk see only an unusual exterior, it's the inner warmth of Sylvie that Ruth and Lucille interact with daily.

Christine Lahti demonstrates how to humanize an outcast with her marvelous portrayal of Sylvie, a woman who knows nothing about raising children but is thrust into the role of caretaker. She takes on the contradictory role of Sylvie, a woodland creature in a town gown, with grace, warmth, and an eccentric charm that captures the audience's hearts.

The dynamics between Lucille, Ruth, and Sylvie form the backbone of Housekeeping. Andrea Burchill's performance as Lucille particularly stands out, as her character’s struggle to fit in serves as the perfect foil to Sylvie's defiant, idiosyncratic methods. She captures Lucille's desperation for normalcy impeccably, contrasting sharply with Sylvie's free-spirited ethos and Ruth's internal turmoil regarding where to belong.

The imagery and tone of Housekeeping, directed by Bill Forsyth, perfectly echo the pensive, quizzical undertones of the narrative. The cinematography by Michael Coulter is visually stunning; the Pacific NorthWest is represented in all its glory, with the rugged beauty of the landscape providing a stark backdrop to the complicated familial and emotional landscapes that are navigated in the film.

Structurally, Housekeeping leans heavily into its novel roots. The narrative unfolds like chapters in a book, lending a ponderous, contemplative quality that gives ample room for the unique character development and evocative storytelling. It offers viewers splendid frames filled with metaphors while portraying the complex dynamics of sisterhood, maternal instincts, and individual idiosyncrasies. The movie traverses between reality and dreamlike sequences, a testament to Forsyth's innovative narrative techniques and metaphoric storytelling.

The title 'Housekeeping' becomes a metaphorical representation of the struggles within the familial settings and reflects how the stability of our lives often depends on how we keep our metaphorical houses. Housekeeping takes you on a journey into an unconventional world that feels removed from accepted societal norms, exposing you to a part of humanity you might not typically encounter. It narrates a tale of complex characters, whose lives and choices are intricately woven into an immensely moving canvas that resonates beyond the confines of cinema.

Housekeeping is a film that encourages you to look beyond the obvious, challenge the ordinary, and see beauty in the unconventional. It is a brilliant manifestation of societal differences and personal struggles wrapped in the warmth of sisterhood and familial bonds. For those seeking a drama film that is both deep and profound, Housekeeping represents an intensely empathetic and emotionally fulfilling cinematic experience.