IS ANYBODY THERE?

Directed By John Crowley

Review By Kim Jindra

The film, IS ANYBODY THERE?, is the story of 10 year old Edward (Bill Milner) and the life changes he is forced to endure when his mother decides to run a residential  senior  center from their home.

Edward must give up his room and the attention of his parents.  His mother (Anne-Marie Duff) is overworked but still finds time for an occasional cuddle and words of wisdom for her son.  His father (David Morrissey) resents his lack of outside employment and contents himself by covertly leering at their one employee.    

The seniors are a colorful cast of characters that Edward tries to avoid until he begins secretly tape recording the most likely to die.  He hopes to discover what happens on that final journey.    But the arrival of a new resident temporarily halts Edward.

Clarence (Michael Caine) is crotchety and mysterious.  Edward's curiosity is piqued when he discovers Clarence is a magician.  Clarence repeatedly rejects Edward's overtures.  Then he rejects life.  Edward discovers Clarence before it is too late and an unlikely friendship develops.  Clarence realizes Edward's fascination with death is due to his isolation.  He sets out to steer Edward toward a more sociable life.

This film drags in places and it is difficult to catch all of the dialog but the film is filled with sweet, touching and funny moments.  Milner does a fine job of making Edward seems like a real ten year old.  Once again, Caine is wonderful as the life weary "teacher".  And Duff was convincing as mum, wife, nurse and residential administrator.  If writer Peter Harness had focused more on drawing the parallels between Clarence's past and Edward's parents I think the movie would have been more powerful especially when Clarence asks Edward's mum for forgiveness.  The movie reinforces the notion that growing up and growing old is never easy.