Tuesdays with Morrie

Author(s): Zgamer
Location: N/A

"Tuesdays with Morrie"

Directed by Todd Field
Written by Todd Field and Mitch Albom
Based on the book by Mitch Albom
Original Score by Thomas Newman

Main Cast

Andy Griffith as Morrie Schwartz
Joaquin Phoenix as Mitch Albom
Kate Winslet as Janine
Vanessa Redgrave as Charlotte Schwartz

Tagline: "Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone"

Synopsis: Mitch’s life isn’t what he expected it to be. When he left college, he was determined to become a musician and live a fulfilling life. Now he is a sports journalist for a Detroit newspaper and his life is ruled by his work. Whether it’s behind the computer to write a new article or chasing hot shot sport figures, Mitch’s life is one in constant need of being at full speed. He has no time for his singer wife Janine, his nice house or any of the luxuries he thought he needed. He seems to be in a rut that has no end in sight. And it would have stayed that way if not for one fateful night of channel surfing.

On that night, Nightline ran a report covering a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as the Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a disease that slowly and gradually shuts your bodily functions down until it collapses your lungs. However, the thing that caught Mitch’s interest the most was the man being interviewed with the disease. His name was Morrie Schwartz, Mitch’s former college professor and mentor. Many years had passed since Mitch was last in his class, yet even in his weakened condition, Morrie still joked around with the reporters and spouted words of wisdom just as Mitch remembered. As Mitch watched as Morrie’s wife began to speak sweet words about her husband, he started to feel guilty for abandoning one of the best friends he ever had. So Mitch decided to go visit his old teacher for the first time in sixteen years. What he didn’t realize was the start of a new class. A class that required no textbooks or pencils, yet still tested its pupils. A class that would dive deep into Mitch’s past and unearth his doubts and desires. It would be the final class taught by Morrie Schwartz and it would be on life.

What the Press would say:

How often do you see movies like this that encourage you to slow down and appreciate the significant things in life? Well, someone finally decided to make one. Tuesdays with Morrie, Todd Field’s adaptation of Mitch Albom’s autobiographical bestseller, is a remarkable film that any generation can appreciate. Field, known for his thoughtfully paced storytelling, works his magic again to share with the audience the film’s message on society’s faults, life’s treasures and death’s importance. Rather than ring out emotions like a sponge, as many directors would have done, Field brilliantly underscores the emotions and Thomas Newman’s wonderful music so they compliment the scene rather than overwhelm them or make them sappy. Whether it’s the heartfelt discussions between Mitch and Morrie or the somewhat shocking examinations of Morrie’s deterioration, Field never loses sight on how to control the flow of each scene. Field has done something many directors only dream of: he has presented credible and believable emotions and situations onto a film screen. Let’s not forget the wonderful screenplay either, co-penned by author Albom himself to keep the story true with its roots. Kudos to the two for having Morrie’s catchy and meaningful aphorisms well represented in the sharp dialogue.

However, Field would be nowhere without his wisely chosen cast. While Jack Lemmon’s performance in the TV movie is hard to beat, there could not be a more ideal Morrie than Andy Griffith. No one could have captured Morrie’s charming disposition or sage manner better, who never forces the audience to pity him, but rather be comforted by his character’s acceptance of death’s role in the world. He even sports a Jewish accent to help portray Morrie accurately, showing his depth as an actor. If Hollywood ever needed to reward a touching performance from an older actor, this is the one. Phoenix is his match playing as Mitch, a man in desperate need of a wake up call from life. Phoenix wisely portrays Mitch in a way where he becomes much like the audience rather than a person being watched. A fine supporting cast also adds to the drama. Winslet is ideal as Mitch’s loving but neglected wife and Redgrave brings so much radiance and dignity to the screen as Morrie’s devoted, MIT teaching spouse. Tuesdays with Morrie not only speaks the truth about our shortsighted society, but also makes you leave the theater with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face.

Award Possibilities

Best Picture
Best Director (Todd Field)
Best Actor (Andy Griffith)
Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix)
Best Supporting Actress (Vanessa Redgrave)
Best Supporting Actress (Kate Winslet)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Todd Field and Mitch Albom)
Best Original Score (Thomas Newman)