i gather from read the previous comment that this film go straight to cable . well and i pay to see it in a theatre and and i be glad i do because visually it be a striking film . most of the setting seem like they be make in the early 60 ( except for the shrink office and which be date in a different way ) and and if you leave the neve campbell sequence out and the whole film have a wash out early 60 ambience . and the use of restaurant in the film be fascinate . for a first time director whose background and i believe and be in write and he have a great eye . within the first ten minute i felt the plot lack plausibility and so i just willingly suspend my disbelief and go along for the ride . in term of act and the depiction of father son and mother son and husband wife and parent child relationship and the film be spot on . william h. macy and a pleasure to watch and seem to be fill the void leave by the late tony perkins and if this and magnolia be any indication . tracey ullman a the neglected wife be quite move and to me . it be a three dimensional depiction of a character too often view by society a two dimensional . of course and donald sutherland can add this to his collection of unforgettable portrayal . the depiction of the parent ( bain or sutherland ) remind me and in an indirect way and of vincent gallo buffalo 66 and although tone down quite a bit . i would definitely pay money to see a second film from this director . he have the self discipline of a 50 b crimefilm director ( something p. t. anderson will never have . ) and yet he have a visual style and a way with actor that command attention .