THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR

Year: 2004
USA: Focus Features
UK: Momentum Theatrical
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Mimi Rogers, Elle Fanning, Bijou Phillips, Larry Pine, John Rothman, Harvey Loomis, Mike S Ryan, Libby Langdon, Louis Arcella, Robert LuPone, Rachel Style, Amanda Posner, Donna Murphy, Marion McCorry, Kristina Valada-Viars, LeAnna Croom, Claire Beckman, Tod Harrison Williams, Carter Williams
Director: Tod Williams
Country: USA
UK: 111 mins
USA Rated: R for strong sexuality and graphic images, and language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong sex and language
USA Release Date: 23 July 2004 (Limited Release - wider)
USA Release Date: 16 July 2004 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 11 February 2005


Synopsis

THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR explores the complexities of love in its brightest, most mysterious, and darkest corners. THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR is directed by Tod Williams, whose screenplay is adapted from John Irving's best-selling novel A Widow for One Year.

Set in the beach community of East Hampton, New York, the film chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of famous children's books author Ted Cole (Jeff Bridges) and his beautiful wife Marion (Kim Basinger). Their once-great marriage has been strained by tragedy. The Coles lovingly parent their surviving child, bright 4 year-old Ruth (Elle Fanning), who takes everything in her stride as perhaps only a child can. But Marion's equation of love with loss, coupled with Ted's infidelities, points towards a much-needed change in the relationship. That may come in the form of Eddie O'Hare (Jon Foster), the young man Ted hires to work as his summer assistant - and, Ted hopes, the catalyst to invigorate the Coles' bond of marriage.

Eddie idolizes Ted, but Ted's erratic work habits soon leave Eddie to his own devices. Marion becomes an object of desire for Eddie, rekindling in her some surprising emotions as a mother and as a woman. To Eddie's surprise and delight, his yearning is potently reciprocated.

As he becomes passionately entwined with the seemingly fragile yet increasingly bold Marion, Eddie comes to realize that, similarly, Ted's surface fecklessness hides something deeper within. As the summer draws to a close, Marion and Ted must make difficult decisions about the future of their family.