Pieces Of April

Reviewed by Rich Drees

     Family gatherings at the holidays can often be stressful times. Many hosts feel pressured to serve an exquisite meal that very possibly can’t live up to anyone’s raised expectations. For April Burns (Katie Holmes) the pressure is exponentially greater. Not only is she cooking her first Thanksgiving turkey for her visiting family, but it may very well be the last one they share together.

     April’s mother Joy (Patricia Clarkson) is dying of cancer. Since April has been estranged from her family, she is feeling pressure to try and have one family gathering that doesn’t degenerate into the acrimony that has characterized their lifelong relationship. Disaster strikes early when she discovers that her oven is broken and she must rely on help from her neighbors in order to get her turkey cooked. Meanwhile her family journey towards her Manhattan apartment from upstate New York, wondering if they can all overcome their past disagreements to make one good happy family memory.

     Writer/ first time director Peter Hedges has crafted an impressive first time directorial outing. Pieces of April was shot in 16 days with a budget of just $500,000.00 and it shows a bit around the edges. However, the lack of Hollywood spit and polish helps to give the film a more intimate and verite look that brings the audiences closer to the characters.

     Even though Holmes and the rest of her “family” share no scenes until right at the end of the picture, they all manage to create a sense of history with one another that makes the movie work. Clarkson delivers a fine performance as the family’s terminal matriarch, at times funny, at times touching. Lillias White and Isiah Whitlock Jr shine as helpful neighbors who can loan their oven to April for an hour. As an extremely uptight neighbor with a brand new oven, Sean Hayes delivers a performance that is as restrained as his work on television’s Will & Grace is unrestrained.

     Like his screenplays for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and About A Boy, Hedges manages to make the film heartwarming without appearing manipulative. There is one moment at end of film that feels slightly contrived, but in light of the rest of the film, it’s forgivable.

     Interestingly, we are actually spared the actual reconciliation between April and her family. But that’s ok, as we know it is inevitable. In fact the family’s car trip can serve as a metaphor for the movie itself. It’s not the destination that’s important, it’s the journey that the characters themselves make. Fortunately, we audience members are lucky enough to be along for the ride.