My niece went to a pre-opening screening and loved the film. So, we went and were not disappointed. It is an unusual film in that it almost feels like a documentary, yet is not. I have a problem with Bill Irwin whom I have seen in person as well as on film. He is too *clownish* for my taste.I did my best to tolerate him. There are some enormous intricacies very subtly woven into the plot. It is a quiet movie that carries a big underlying punch and will, no doubt, garner Anne Hathaway an Oscar nomination. She does an outstanding job. Debra Winger, whom I never valued much, brings real intensity to the few scenes in which she appears.