ma-cortes This genteel retelling and moving film starts with a double murder of a parents , being witnessed by autistic little boy son, named Tim Warden(Faulkner), he's overprotected by adolescent sister Sylvie(Liv Tyler). Retired therapist Jake(Richard Dreyfuss), married to good spouse(Linda Cameron), is reluctant to get involved, but he's deemed guilty because a little autistic in his care committed suicide, though he was acquitted . But when rival Dr. Harlinger(John Lighgow) is called instead, Jakes takes the little boy for learning. Traumatized Tim is a nine-years-old kid with damage psyche but plenty of extraordinaries faculties, as he imitates language of people. Jake whose patience and perseverance finally enable Tim to learn to communicate and resolve the murders.The film depicts the unconventional method the psychiatrist used to help the autistic adjust to the world and shows the relationship that build between the two courageous starring. The dysfunctional and breakthrough relation among Tim and Jake carries strong emotional power and intense, moving experience. Actors interpretation is good, Richard Dreyfuss as affected and obstinate therapist, J. T. Walsh as sheriff that investigates the deeds and Liv Tyler and Faulkner in their film debut. Interesting script with a final full of lurid turns, red herrings and plot twists by Akiva Goldsman.Sensible and perceptible musical score by Stewart Copeland. Luxurious and colorful cinematography by cameraman Peter James.The motion picture is professionally directed by Bruce Beresford. He's a cool Australian(Braker Morant)director, working in Hollywood and achieving hits(Double jeopardy,Crimes of the heart,Tender mercies), winning Academy Award (Driving Miss Daisy) and flops (King David ,Mister Johnson, Silent fall).

jrbleau Tim's aversion to round things is due to his allergic reaction to meatballs, causing his autism. He is, in fact, Robin Williams, but is trapped inside a child's body, though without any decline in his vocal talents. Arwen's elfish potential crashes on the shoals of righteous violence, leaving Dr. Rainer, ze shrink, to ponder, "I sink, zerefore I am".In the end, Groucho, Ms. Hamilton (Margaret, that is) and Robin Williams go on a candy-seeking expedition. A treat: we get to hear Robin's real voice.I had never heard of this movie until my hated aunt gave it to me for Christmas.

bsinc I really have to commend Bruce Beresford for his directing abilities because his movies (the ones I've seen so far) are always entertaining no matter what they're about. This one is no different. A very solid cast makes it enjoyable when it could have easily been just another TV movie with a bunch of unknown actors. And here lies the problem; "Silent Fall" doesn't aim high enough and doesn't realize its potential, while with its stellar cast and perhaps a plot and a twist that would actually make the viewer think, it could have been big, since the predictability of it all is almost offensive.The daughter just had to try to kill the shrink in the end just to make the viewer feel less sorry for the kid for losing his sister too. A solid, yet somehow disappointing "mystery" thriller with some nice moments and a good sense of pace. Plus it's the first movie attempt by the sexy Liv Tyler who always makes me want to be the lipstick on her upper lip.6/10

Carla Leahy Richard Dreyfuss portrays an unhappy doctor. After losing a young patient and blaming himself--he decided to no longer work with children. Then he meets "Tim," an autistic child, who lost both of his parents--to homicide. Tim's teen-aged sister insists that she is the only person on earth capable of caring for him, but Dreyfuss' character has been persuaded to work with Tim, alone.To me, this story was as close to a horror flick as a Richard Dreyfuss movie could be. I found it to be disturbing 80% of the time. If you like disturbing movies, see it--but after the kids are safely tucked in.