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The Movie Room was directed by Lenny Abrahamson

The Movie Room was directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue. Brie Larson played Joy Newsome, and won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Jacob Tremblay played her son Jack. This film with a 13 million budget garnered 36 million after being released in theaters in 2015 (Los Angeles Times). Its plot, cinematography, and character portrayal are evidence of an excellent movie and worthiness of receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

The movie was based on a novel of the same name. Both are told from the point of view of five-year old Jack. Director Lenny Abrahamson decided that the movie should be filmed in an actual 10 by 10-foot space on a shooting location in Canada that closely resembled the US, where the story takes place. Walls were not moved to accommodate cameras. Instead, there were instances when part of the wall would be removed to insert the lens of a camera (Variety). The set was built to mimic a genuine space where the mother and son were imprisoned. This was loosely inspired by a story wherein a woman was imprisoned for 24 years by her father and used as a sex slave, and eventually giving birth to 7 children.

Joy Newsome had been held in captivity by a man referred to as Old Nick for seven years. She now has a five-year old son. Together, Joy and Jack live in a tiny room, surviving with only basic necessities. Old Nick provided them an old television, which naturally, piques Jacks curiosity. Joy tells him that everything on TV exists only on TV, while everything he can physically see, hear, and touch in the room is real.

Every night, Old Nick rapes Joy while Jack hides in a small closet in this room. One night, Jacks inquisitive nature led him to walk out of the closet and walk over to Nick. Joy wakes up in time to see a brief interaction between her son and her rapist. Overcome by maternal instinct, she slaps Nick. His anger at her outburst prompted him to turn off their heating and electricity. Joy finally decides that it was time for Jack to learn the truth about their situation.

One of the most important parts of the movie is when Jack plays dead in order to escape. His mothers plan was for Nick to take him away to bury him elsewhere and while in the truck, Jack must roll out of the rug he was in, jump out of the vehicle, and ask the first person he sees for help.

Larsons portrayal of Joy was absolutely outstanding. While speaking to her child in the Room, she put on a mask of happiness, pretending everything was alright. She tries to keep Jack healthy and happy. She makes him do exercises. She even bakes him a birthday cake despite their limited resources. This, however, was all a fa硤e. She was deeply depressed. Even after escaping the room, Larson perfectly depicted a woman whose life had been completely shattered. She was obviously suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Larson gave the audience an insight into the lives of women who survive sexual assault.

Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay, was marvelously portrayed. Tremblay had several scenes that involved a voice over. His facial expressions captured the emotions experienced by a five-year old boy who had just discovered everything he had been told was a lie. Tremblay was astounding in playing a young boy who had once been oblivious to everything outside the space he was confined in and is now trying to live a normal life. He was brilliant in showing a cautious demeanor after finding out the truth when he was playing with toys and interacting with other human beings.

The vision of the director was clear. The film illustrated that the traumatic ordeal Joy underwent almost destroyed her, to the point of attempting to end her life. However, seeing the resilience of her child gave her courage. This contrast between Joys and Jacks reactions after being rescued was meticulously depicted. Jack, although careful and reserved when interacting with other people, tried to talk to others. Joy, on the other hand, spent most of the time isolating herself once again. Jack spoke to a therapist, while Joy refused to see one. Jacks courage to integrate into a society that had once not even known of his existence was a source of inspiration to Joy. This was well illustrated in the final scenes of the movie wherein Joy looks outside the window, sees Jack playing with other kids, and smiles.

The film Room received high praise from audience and critics. The writing and performances by Larson and Tremblay were critical to the success of the movie. This movie is one of the most brilliant movies of all time. Showing the world from the point of view of a child was a crucial aspect of the movie. It showed the strength and resilience of children. The portrayal of a person who was serially raped and abused gave the audience an understanding of what these people go through. Although she had escaped from the room, the wounds left by her ordeal continued to throb. This movie was amazing, and is definitely a must-see.

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