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An overview of a memorable but disturbing little film.
The story begins with a news report about a convicted sex offender recently released from prison, having been there for exposing himself to a minor, who is now living amongst the good citizens and, more notably, children of a small suburban community. As the camera pulls back, it becomes obvious that someone (revealed later in the movie as the ex-con himself) is watching the news on TV. This opening perfectly and purposefully provides the audience with the same underlying threat that this pervert causes for the characters of Little Children. The next scene introduces four mothers, including Kate Winslet’s character, Sarah Pierce, at a playground with their children. From this point on, an omniscient narrator tells the story of how Sarah comes to know Patrick Wilson’s character, Brad Adamsom, or “Prom King,” as the playground mothers call him. Aside from both being married, Sarah and Brad make an unlikely match, but a bet brings them together one day, and a torrid love affair is ignited. The story continues, focusing on Sarah and Brad’s relationships with their spouses (played by Gregg Edelman and Jennifer Connelly) and the bond their children develop with each other. Thus far the pervert, Ronnie J. McGorvey (Jackie Earle Haley), has only appeared on screen in mug shots on fliers posted all over town by a retired cop (Noah Emmerich), until one humid summer day. Clad in unusual swimwear, McGorvey is practically portrayed as a sea monster lurking in the depths of the town pool filled with unsuspecting children. When he is finally spotted, everyone hurries out of the water and gawks at him, and the police even come to ask him to leave. As he is peacefully escorted away from the pool, McGorvey responds to his crowd, “I was only trying to cool off!” Genuine or not, McGorvey’s excuse is as fleeting as his attempts to re-integrate himself with a normal society. He is aware of his problem yet lacks the ability to change, and the only solution this unforgiving community suggests is that he be castrated. Sarah, however, has a more grounded view, retorting to one playground mother who is in favor of the cruel punishment, “You know what else you should do? Nail his penis above the entrance to the elementary school.” This tone of Winslet’s character is representative of what director and co-screenwriter, Todd Field, grasps from his audience, and while every character can be empathized with, none are completely free from perversion, which makes the film unsettling at times. Despite the discomfort, the adaptation of Tom Perrotta’s novel (Perrotta also co-wrote the screenplay) is artful both as social commentary and film, and it exceptionally depicts the serious repercussions that can arise from adults behaving as immaturely as little children. Little Children earned three Oscar nominations and releases to DVD May 1, 2007.
The copyright of the article Little Children Review in Drama DVD Reviews is owned by Meredith L Hillman. Permission to republish Little Children Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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