“IN THE BEDROOM” is a “passive-aggressive” film!  While moving at an intentionally slow, deliberate pace, there’s a constant simmering of tension behind almost every scene, making it all-the-more effective and troubling.  Marisa Tomei plays Natalie, a young mom raising two kids, and who appears to really be happily in love, only it’s with a young boyfriend, and not the explosive ex-husband.  The young boy, Frank is a nice guy, looking forward to college, but seemingly complacent living at home with his family, as a lobster fisherman in a small town in Maine.  His parents, Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson are concerned about the potential problems facing their son due to his romantic relationship, but they’re cautious “at a distance.”  When the volatile ex crosses the line and tragedy strikes, the parents decide to take action which they believe will offer them some control over a horrible situation. 

Director/writer Todd Field’s film delves into the struggles and pain affecting decent people, and tries to explain why and how decisions made in pain, to end pain, ultimately do little but prolong it.

BUENA VISTA has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is decent, although it often lacks any life to it, offering a muted look.  Contrast is sharp, offering deep blacks and grays, effective in a few key night sequences by offering more definition.  Fleshtones appear inconsistent in a few scenes. 

BUENA VISTA has included a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  It’s not an aggressive mix, and surrounds are virtually non-existent.  Still, there are some directional effects focused towards the front soundstage. Dialogue is always intelligible, though low, and free from distortion.