Little Children (2006)

	Directed by: Todd Field	COUNTRY USA GENRE Drama/Comedy NORWEGIAN TITLE Som små barn RUNNING TIME 130 minutes
	Produced by: Albert Berger Todd Field Ron Yerxa
	Written by (based on the novel by Tom Perrotta): Todd Field Tom Perrotta

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Sarah Pierce	Kate Winslet
Brad Adamson	Patrick Wilson	½
Kathy Adamson	Jennifer Connelly
Richard Pierce	Gregg Edelman
Lucy Pierce	Sadie Goldstein	½
Aaron Adamson	Ty Simpkins
Larry Hedges	Noah Emmerich	½
Ronnie J. McGorvey	Jackie Earle Haley
May McGorvey	Phyllis Somerville	½
Bullhorn Bob	Raymond J. Barry
Theresa	Trini Alvarado

Review

After the explosive In the Bedroom a few years ago, first-time director Todd Field burst onto the scene as a special new talent. I still regard him as such, even though this new film is a step back for him. He is still a daring filmmaker who presents human drama in an absorbing and unique manner. At its best, Little Children sucks you in and stirs you up. There are a few segments here that work brilliantly (not least those involving the Noah Emmerich character), but not everything works equally well, including the portrayal of the paedophile Ronnie (Jackie Earle Haley). Field deploys an interesting angle, trying to awaken a feeling of ambivalence towards the character, while at the same time criticising the way society treats his kind. Unfortunately, the character itself isn't convincingly written. His mannered actions and dialogue weaken his credibility. It's nice to see Jackie Earle Haley (Breaking Away) back on the screen, even if he ultimately isn't able to avoid Ronnie becoming a stereotype (which the Academy probably won't recognise – they'll just applaud the courage).

Field also encounters problems trying to balance his serious drama with his at times misplaced comedy – often carried by the indiscreet narrator, who sounds like a cross between 1950s sci-fi and romantic pulp literature. This leads to several changes in tone and mood that more often than not feel out of place or unsubtle. Little Children doesn't flow as easily and naturally as In the Bedroom did – which is the biggest difference between the two. They both portray intimate, tragic characters and offer brilliant drama. There's power in this story as well, but by the end of an exhausting two hours, you're happy to walk out and reassure yourself that not every single person you meet is dysfunctional.