Picking Up the Pieces (1985)

A sheltered wife of a surgeon suddenly finds herself thrust into the middle of a messy divorce.

Film Overview
"Picking Up the Pieces" is an engaging drama movie made in 1985, directed by Paul Leder and starring Margot Kidder and David Naughton. The storyline focuses on Gallagher household, their challenges, and a journey of change. It explores their struggle to maintain unity amidst the anguish of emotional turmoil and painful tricks.

Main Plot
The patriarch of the Gallagher family, Eddie, is a violent alcoholic, and his partner sees no other alternative however to leave him. Their son, Charlie, is pulled into the household crisis when his mother picks him to inform his dad that she's leaving.

Eddie is overwhelmed by this. He feels betrayed by his partner and deeply wounded when she leaves. With nothing much to do, Eddie takes a new point of view on life led by the love he has for his son. A considerable stretch of the film details Eddie's attempt to fix his broken life, regain his self-respect, and restore his relationship with Charlie.

Character Development
Charlie is a wise and delicate young man who is somewhat stuck in the middle of his parents. Torn between understanding his mother's choice to leave and conserving his dad from self-destruction, Charlie learns complex feelings.

Eddie at first appears as a verbally violent, unsympathetic character, given his problems with alcohol addiction. After his spouse leaves him, Eddie is forced to face his devils and grow. His helplessness triggers a desire to change, fueled by the fear of losing his son too.

Styles and Imagery
"Picking Up the Pieces" employs simple yet strong imagery that brings home the devastation brought on by drug abuse and the toll it takes on a family. It underscores the important function that like and comprehending play in getting rid of individual struggles and reconstructing broken relationships. The improvement of Eddie's character, from a violent alcoholic to a guy dealing with his redemption, represents the hidden theme of hope, change, self-realization, and redemption.

Vital Reception
Upon release, the film received a combined reception. Numerous praised the performances of the leading actors, Margot Kidder and David Naughton, for their emotional depth and authenticity. Critics lauded the film's expedition of familial relationships and the struggles of dealing with addiction. However, the movie was slammed for its somewhat predictable plotline.

Conclusion
"Picking Up the Pieces" is a compelling family drama that resolves the pushing concerns surrounding alcohol addiction and its influence on household bonds. Through Eddie's journey, the movie efficiently provides a powerful message about modification, hope, and reconciliation. Regardless of the struggles and the seeming despondence of the situation, it communicates that love, understanding, and determination can assist people overcome their fights. In general, it's a psychological roller coaster that holds a mirror to society, prompting audiences to empathize and reflect.

Top Cast

  • Margot Kidder (small)
    Margot Kidder
    Lynette Harding
  • David Ackroyd (small)
    David Ackroyd
    Dr. Eric Harding
  • Barbara Rhoades (small)
    Barbara Rhoades
    Denise
  • James Farentino (small)
    James Farentino
    Don Hagan
  • Joyce Van Patten (small)
    Joyce Van Patten
    Harriet Goodman
  • Herb Edelman (small)
    Herb Edelman
    Mac Goodman
  • Ari Meyers (small)
    Ari Meyers
    Stacy Harding
  • Len Birman (small)
    Len Birman
    Carew