OPEN WINDOW

NARRATIVE, US, 2006, 97 minutes

Director/Writer: Mia Goldman
Producer: Midge Sanford, Thomas Barad
Starring: Robin Tunney, Joel Edgerton, Cybill Shepherd, Elliot Gould, Shirley Knight
Mia Goldman in attendance

What happens to a seemingly loving couple when one of them experiences a severe trauma that the other cannot share? Robin Tunney and Joel Edgerton give subtle, emotionally transparent performances as Izzy, a photographer, and Peter, a college professor. One night, an intruder comes though an open window in Izzy’s studio and rapes her. Although Peter tries to support her in the months that follow, he becomes defensive and alienated when Izzy does not bounce back. Peter is not the only one who has expectations of Izzy that don’t match her needs. Her parents, played by Cybill Shepherd and Elliot Gould are also out of sync. Izzy’s most challenging and empathic connection is with her therapist, sharply played by Shirley Knight. An accomplished editor, Mia Goldman’s first feature is well-produced and beautifully shot on 35mm. (Amy Taubin)

Open Window marks the feature debut for Mia Goldman as writer/director. Long recognized by directors such as Lasse Hallström, Lawrence Kasdan, Alan Rudolph and Steve Kloves as a gifted film editor, Goldman began her career as an assistant editor to one of film’s great contemporary masters, Carol Littleton. After assisting on films like The Big Chill, Body Heat and Roadie, Goldman was asked by Alan Rudolph to edit the now cult classic Choose Me in 1984. Following that, she was a second editor on Silverado with Ms. Littleton, for Lawrence Kasdan. She has edited numerous films, including The Big Easy, Something to Talk About, Flesh and Bone and Dick. She was editorial consultant on the Oscar nominated In the Bedroom and edited the sleeper hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She most recently cut The In-Laws for director Andrew Fleming, starring Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks. Goldman is on the executive committee of the Editor’s Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as well as The Nichol Fellowship committee. Goldman received fellowships to the Sundance Institute for both writing and directing. She developed her first screenplay, To Have and to Hold, at the Institute and wrote and directed Dizziness, a short starring Annette O’Toole, Ed Begley, Jr., Steven Weber and Leslie Hope. Goldman returned to Sundance with Open Window.