Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews

The House Of "D"

Judy Thorburn

The House Of "D"

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TOUCHING MEMORIES ARE KEY TO DUCHOVNY’S “HOUSE OF D”

David Duchovny undertook a major responsibility as a filmmaker when making House of D, since he wrote, directed and also acts in his film, although another actor appears as his character’s younger self during most of the story.  I don’t know why, but so many reviewers have been hard on Duchovny, thrashing his creative, personal venture in a way that is not in the least deserving. To those critics I say, “did you see the same film as me?” I was at a preview screening of House of D at ShoWest, afterwards spoke with many people in the audience, and it appeared that most of us agreed it was an impressive undertaking by Duchovny who delivered a memorable coming of age film that is revealing and heartfelt. As far as I am concerned the former X-Files star has succeeded as a noteworthy storyteller with this filmmaking debut for the big screen.

House of D starts off with Tom Warshaw (a goateed, David Duchovny), as an American expatriate and artist living in Paris.  It’s the eve of his son’s 13th birthday and an emotionally troubled Tom, distant from his wife and son, starts thinking about a time thirty years earlier, when at the same age of his son, he lived in New York’s Greenwich Village.  He starts reminiscing about his childhood to French wife, Coralie (Magalie Amadei) and using his voice over as the initial set up, a flashback story is revealed of the people and experiences that made an impact and would eventually change his life.  By confronting the past Tom is able to understand and come to terms with his present life as an adult.

Back in 1973 a young Tommy, played by an appealing Anton Telchin (Hearts in Atlantic) lives with his pill popping, chain smoking, widowed mom (Tea Leoni, Duchovny’s wife- what would Freud say?), in a Greenwich Village apartment. It’s obvious she loves her son, but can’t be there for him as sinking depression due to her husband’s death from cancer is taking its toll.

Tom’s best friend is none other than forty year old mentally challenged janitor from Tom’s catholic school, Pappass, played with brilliant restraint, sensitivity, and fake teeth, by Robin Williams. Outside of school they make a great pair, enjoying each other’s jokes and working together delivering meat for a local butcher shop with the hope of saving enough of their earnings to buy a bicycle they saw in a store window. That’s where the House of D comes into play.  Tommy stores the tip money inside a box that is hidden beneath the windows of the neighborhood Women’s House of Detention (house of D for short). One day he starts a conversation with a female inmate, Lady Bernadette (a strong Erykah Badu) who is confined to a cell two stories above the street and only able to see him with the use of a piece of broken mirror reflecting his image down below. Before long their chat becomes a routine thing.

When Tommy develops a crush on a pretty girl named Melissa (a sweet turn by Zelda Williams, Robin’s daughter) Pappass becomes jealous, setting in motion a series of devastating events that puts sensitive and loyal Tom to the test.  With mom unable to be there, Tom turns to Lady as his unlikely mentor for advice, unbeknownst of her lingering effect through time.

I spoke with Duchovny after the ShoWest screening. Although the film is not autobiographical, he wrote a labor of love that he said was “based on my recollections of growing up in New York’s Greenwich Village”.  His story entails a colorful and sympathetic cast of characters not unlike people you might encounter living in that city.  As a former New Yorker, residing in Las Vegas for almost 24 years, I can easily identify with David’s story and told him so.  I can relate to what it is like going home and revisiting your roots after decades have passed. Been there and done that not realizing how much my trip would turn into a journey of self-discovery.

David Duchovny and Judy Thorburn

For those who can’t connect to how the story enfolds suffice to say House of D stands as an effective drama with some humor, genuine emotion, and fine performances. What more could a filmgoer want?  As a building, the Women’s House of Detention is certainly not a place you would want to live. But, David Ducovny’s House of D is filled with self-discovery, love, friendship, and truth.  I’d recommend a visit, for sure.

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