Many reviewers have stressed ( quite rightly ) the excellency of Ken Lonergan's work both as writer and director of this film. Most of them too have praised ( equally rightly ) the quality of the performances of its main three actors( I should like to add that the fourth one, far less known, Jon Tenney, is rather good as Laura Linney's former lover, whom she invariably turns to in periods of need ), in fact of the whole cast. However, part of the cast's praise should rightfully be credited to Lonergan. It must be pointed out that the best performances by casts often occur when the director is also a part-time good actor ( Sidney Pollack, for instance ), or an actor turned director ( Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, Mel Gibson... ). And Lonergan gives a totally wonderful performance as Ron, the Minister.
Another acting gem must be credited to J. Smith-Cameron ( Mrs Ken Lonergan ),as Emma, the dour-faced colleague of Sammy 's (Linney. *******SPOILER There is a short mute marvelous scene where Emma has her eyes riveted on her lurid-colored computer-screen, while gnawing something; and then comes Sammy, entrusted by her boss ( Matthew Broderick ) with the task of having the screens changed to less aggressive colors. A look of Sammy at Emma, and she decides to postpone her uneasy ( and potential source of trouble) query and withdraw...
Another acting gem must be credited to J. Smith-Cameron ( Mrs Ken Lonergan ),as Emma, the dour-faced colleague of Sammy 's (Linney. *******SPOILER There is a short mute marvelous scene where Emma has her eyes riveted on her lurid-colored computer-screen, while gnawing something; and then comes Sammy, entrusted by her boss ( Matthew Broderick ) with the task of having the screens changed to less aggressive colors. A look of Sammy at Emma, and she decides to postpone her uneasy ( and potential source of trouble) query and withdraw...
