In The Bedroom

Cast: Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek Direction: Todd Field Showing at: Central Plaza - 10 p.m. Rating: **** There are no two ways about it. In The Bedroom is among the most sensitive films from Hollywood in recent years.Adapting the short story Killings by the late Andre Dubus, director Todd Field charts the tragic disruption of the lives of an aging couple (Spacek-Wilkinson) following the senseless murder of their only child (Nick Stahl).Unable to secure justice, the distraught parents shrink into their respective shells. The tension between them finally explodes, leading to a startling finale which packs in quite an emotional punch. The narrative holds up a mirror to what grief and anger can do to people who don''t have a mean bone in their body. With his painterly eye for compositions (the lobster-fishing small town in Maine is lovingly photographed), a natural sense of rhythm and a ear tuned to the cadence of speech, the director draws us close to the hearts and minds of his characters. Both Nick Stahl, who plays the son to perfection and Marisa Tomei as the affectionate single mother whom he loves are impressive. As the unfortunate parents, Wilkinson and Spacek are excellent. The film''s title is misleading. It''s so emotionally touching that you should make a beeline for it quickly - before it goes.