Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio Review
Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio was penned
by writer-director Jane Anderson (Normal) and is based on the bestselling
memoir by one of the Ryan children about her saintly mother. The film's
sequence playfully mimics the very product commercials Evelyn's jingles
represent in an amusing form that allows Evelyn and her fellow contesters
to talk cheerfully to the camera in a perfect form of parallel structure.
Brilliant art design also adds beauty and flair to the set.
Each attempt Evelyn makes to visit her "contest buddies" in Indiana (nearly
100 miles away) is promptly surrendered to familial obligation: there is
rarely enough money to pay a weekly $3.00 milk tab; Kelly's drunkenness
occurs nightly, often soliciting police involvement but ending with a cup
of coffee and promises of improved behavior; and even better is a priest
with "breath like daddy's" that advises Evelyn to "try a little harder."
Still, Evelyn rises each morning and cooks, cleans, and cares for her children.
Watching television at night, she writes ideas for her jingles down into
her notebook until placing it aside and drifting off into much deserved
sleep. Her refusal to have her family dismantled by circumstance is not
denial as much as it is strength; Moore evokes a terrific sentiment of wisdom
that keeps her character from appearing lost.
Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Defiance by form takes a different route than most modern movies
and, in the capable hands of director Jane Anderson, sets about no frills
or superfluities. The story is not about sex, drugs, violence, or romance;
rather, it is about a mother's devotion to her children in unwavering regard.
DreamWorks Pictures
Director-screenwriter: Jane Anderson
Based on the memoir "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less" by: Terry Ryan
Evelyn Ryan: Julianne Moore
Kelly Ryan: Woody Harrelson
Tuff Ryan (ages 13, 16, 18): Ellary Porterfield
Dortha Schaefer: Laura Dern
Ray the Milkman: Simon Reynolds
Stay tuned for updates.
Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
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