Open Window (film)

Open Window is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Mia Goldman and starring Robin Tunney and Joel Edgerton. Lasse Hallström and Todd Field served as executive producers of the film. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2006. It aired on Showtime on July 16, 2007.

Synopsis

Izzy, a photographer, is engaged to Peter, a college professor. One night while working in her photo studio, an assailant breaks into the couple's home and Izzy is raped. In the aftermath, Izzy and Peter are left to deal with her trauma.

Cast

Robin Tunney as Izzy
Joel Edgerton as Peter
Cybill Shepherd as Arlene
Elliott Gould as John
Scott Wilson as Eddie
Matt Keeslar as the Rapist
Shirley Knight as Dr. Ann Monohan

Production

The film was Mia Goldman's directorial debut. She had previously worked as an editor for films like The Big Easy and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The film is semi-autobiographical.
The film spent four years in development; actress Robin Tunney remained attached to the film throughout. Said Goldman, "The hardest thing about making the movie was making the deal, getting the . Everyone told me, 'Anything that has rape in it is a TV movie.'"

Release

The film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. It later screened at the 23rd Jerusalem Film Festival that July.

Home media

The film was released on DVD in Australia by Flashback Entertainment, Cat. 24176

Reception

John Anderson of Variety said the film is "a righteous, genuine and emotionally precise movie", but "still goes down like medicine." The Hollywood Reporters Sura Wood commended the cinematography and score, but felt the film was ultimately undermined by the weak script and characters. Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe found the film difficult to watch due to its subject matter, but he commended its "powerful message" and the "admirably pared-down performances by Tunney and Edgerton."