Julianne Moore knows how to choose her projects. When she was offered a role in director Jane Anderson's feature-film debut, "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio," those involved in the project knew she could make it a great picture. True to this philosophy, Moore's latest is a fine movie, worthy of its place among her vast body of great work.
"The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" makes a powerful first impression for Anderson as it serves to remind the masses of an America ruled by tradition not so many years ago.
Based on author Terry Ryan's award-winning account of her midwestern childhood, the film centers around Evelyn Ryan (Moore) and her life as a housewife in 1950s and '60s Ohio. Evelyn, as the title suggests, makes a hobby of winning prizes in sweepstakes and corporate contests. Her jealous husband, Kelly (Woody Harrelson), toils with alcoholism as he tries to cope with Evelyn's ability to provide for the family better than he can.
Gender roles are a major theme in the picture, since Kelly feels that his manhood is endangered. He feels threatened by his wife because his natural responsibility to support his family falls short of his wife and kids' expectations. In many ways Evelyn is the breadwinner, and with the traditions of the post-World War II culture still in place, this is unacceptable to him. Evelyn closes the gender gap.
Although Moore's talents carry "Prize Winner," a strong supporting cast helps. Along with Harrelson in one of his finer performances, Laura Dern also makes an expectedly delightful appearance. The surprise performance comes from newcomer Ellary Porterfield, who plays the role of Terry "Tuff" Ryan, Evelyn and Kelly's middle daughter. Porterfield's performance, the most significant of the ten children, shows true emotional range as she questions her mother's reasons for staying with her alcoholic husband.
"Prize Winner" is interesting for all of its thematic undertones, but it is also a great film to watch because it has such a good story. The idea that a woman could raise ten children solely on her ability to write catchy jingles for different contests is fresh and original. Director Jane Anderson puts together a thoughtful production, and the humorous voiceovers by Moore add extra punches that seem unexpected in such a visually sober film.
What makes the film so special is the integrity and true grit with which Evelyn faces life's obstacles. When the family car breaks down as a result of Kelly's irresponsibility, Tuff says to Evelyn, "Your life stinks." Evelyn, ever the optimist, smiles brightly and reminds Tuff of all the wonderful things her life has to offer. She reminds Tuff that she should cherish the chance they each have to bond with one another. Evelyn, through even the worst of situations, makes life seem so simple and so uncomplicated. To sum up her life, she tells Kelly, "I don't need you to make me happy. I just need you to leave me alone when I am."
The film works so well because Evelyn is such a likable character (she does not even have the usually prerequisite whine of a hero in distress) with whom audiences can connect. Anderson has found a character who's a true hero. "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" is sure to find itself just that during awards season - a prize winner. Not bad for a director's first feature film. Not bad at all.
