Details
Movie Description
George Washington University professor Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges) teaches a course in terrorism, but after his wife, an FBI agent, is killed under questionable circumstances, he becomes obsessed with the topic. An all-American family moves in across the street, but Faraday soon suspects that they might be terrorists themselves. Bridges's portrayal of the man fighting against a virtually unseen enemy, with no one believing him, is reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart in Alfred Hitchcock's THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH.
Synopsis
ARLINGTON ROAD follows in the grand tradition of Hollywood suspense thrillers that pit a lone man against a vast, hidden conspiracy--or is it a conspiracy? Jeff Bridges plays Michael Faraday, who starts out as a loving, caring father and teacher but slowly turns into a desperate, crazed man searching for answers in a suburban world that has been turned upside down.
Director Mark Pellington lingers on Bridges's face as it goes from ruggedly handsome and somber to wild and crazed. As Faraday tries to uncover the truth about his new neighbors, Oliver and Cheryl Lang (Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack), he also struggles with his own inner demons. Is he just imagining things, as he still has not gotten over his wife's death at the hands of what was first believed to be a terrorist, or are his fear and paranoia real? Pellington stays a few steps ahead the entire way, leading to a most thrilling and unexpected conclusion to this nightmare of suburban terror.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Special Edition
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Mark Pellington - Director, Jeff Bridges - Star
Featurette - 1. "Making Of"
Alternate Ending
Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
The film was released in the United States on May 14, 1999.
After playing The Dude in THE BIG LEBOWSKI, Jeff Bridges had to go to the gym to get in excellent shape for ARLINGTON ROAD, which required much more substantial physical acitivity.
The shooting was beset by thunderstorms and even a tornado that had to be shot around.
About thirty minutes into the film, in the scene at the batting cage, Tim Robbins can be seen with the bat first resting on his left shoulder, then, when the camera angle changes, with the bat suddenly on his right shoulder.
Industry Reviews
"...Builds to a beautifully plotted -- if totally preposterous -- parlor trick of an ending....Cusack scares the bejesus out of Hope Davis [and viewers]..." -- Rating: B+
Entertainment Weekly - p.118 - Daniel Fierman (10/29/1999)
"...The movie generates real excitement..."
Rolling Stone - p.80 - Peter Travers (08/05/1999)
"...A stylish throwback to the paranoid thrillers of the 1970's..."
New York Times - p.E1 - Janet Maslin (07/09/1999)
"...ARLINGTON ROAD is diabolically clever....An edgy, action-filled entertainment, sustained by Bridges' enduring ability to project thoughtful men of decency and courage..."
Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (07/09/1999)
"...The underlying insights of the movie will make you think....ARLINGTON ROAD is a thriller that contains ideas..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (07/09/1999)
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