Hearts in Atlantis (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Scott Hicks (director) |
| Products | Mystery drama film |
Hearts in Atlantis is a 2001 American mystery drama helmed by director Scott Hicks, featuring performances by Anthony Hopkins and Anton Yelchin. The movie is a loose adaptation of Stephen King's novella "Low Men in Yellow Coats" from his 1999 collection Hearts in Atlantis, which is connected to the Dark Tower universe. Central themes include memory and the experience of loss.
The film serves as a tribute to cinematographer Piotr Sobociński, who tragically passed away shortly before the movie's release.
Plot
Robert "Bobby" Garfield, a middle-aged photographer and businessman, returns to his hometown upon hearing of the death of his childhood friend, decorated soldier John "Sully" Sullivan, who died in a car accident. Revisiting his deserted childhood residence, Bobby reflects on a formative summer during the 1960s.
At eleven years old, Bobby lives with his self-centered widowed mother, Liz Garfield, and spends time alongside friends Carol Gerber and Sully. Their lives are altered when Ted Brautigan, an older man possessing psychic and telekinetic powers, becomes their boarder. Ted develops a paternal relationship with Bobby while trying to evade enigmatic figures known as the "Low Men," who seek to capture him.
Ted pays Bobby one dollar weekly to read newspapers aloud, subtly recruiting him to watch for signs of the "Low Men." Meanwhile, Bobby’s group faces harassment from local bully Harry Doolin, whom Ted intimidates by revealing Harry’s secret cross-dressing. After Harry injures Carol, Ted heals her dislocated shoulder but arouses suspicion from Liz, who perceives him as a threat due to her own past trauma.
Ted confronts Liz about her personal struggles and how they affect Bobby before being apprehended following her tip-off. Prior to his departure, Ted expresses profound affection for Bobby, feelings that are reciprocated.
Later, Bobby stands up to Harry’s bullying and eventually relocates with his family to Boston after Liz finds new employment. He shares a final kiss with Carol before leaving.
In the present day, Bobby encounters Molly, Carol’s daughter who has recently died. They bond over a photograph of Carol, symbolizing lasting connections that transcend generations.
Cast
- Anthony Hopkins as Ted Brautigan
- Anton Yelchin as Robert "Bobby" Garfield
- David Morse portrays Adult Robert "Bobby" Garfield
- Hope Davis as Elizabeth "Liz" Garfield
- Mika Boorem as Carol Gerber
- Boorem also plays Molly, Carol's daughter, whom the adult Bobby meets in the present.
- Deirdre O'Connell as Mrs. Gerber
- Will Rothhaar as John "Sully" Sullivan
- Timmy Reifsnyder as Harry Doolin
- Alan Tudyk as Monte Man
- Tom Bower as Len Files
- Celia Weston as Alana Files
- Adam LeFevre as Don Biderman
Production
Director Scott Hicks chose Anton Yelchin as his preferred actor for the role of Bobby Garfield after reviewing audition tapes. Hicks invited Yelchin to Charleston to perform readings alongside Anthony Hopkins, who was then working on Hannibal; Hopkins approved Yelchin’s casting. This film marked Yelchin's debut in feature films.
Principal photography took place in Richmond and Staunton, Virginia.
Box office
Hearts in Atlantis debuted at number three in the U.S. box office, generating $9 million during its initial weekend. The film's domestic earnings reached $24.2 million, which did not cover its $31 million production cost. However, with an additional $6.7 million earned internationally, the global total approached $30.9 million.
Reception
The critical response to Hearts in Atlantis was mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 49% approval rating from 137 critiques, averaging a score of 5.8 out of 10; the general consensus describes it as "well-acted and visually appealing, yet ultimately just a mood piece." Meanwhile, on Metacritic, the film received a score of 55 out of 100 based on 30 reviews, signifying "mixed or average" feedback.
Roger Ebert gave the movie three and a half stars out of four.
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Camerimage | Bronze Frog | Piotr Sobociński | Template:Won |
| Golden Frog | Template:Nom | |||
| 2002 | Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards | Youth in Film | Anton Yelchin | Template:Nom |
| Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards | Best Youth Performance | Anton Yelchin | Template:Nom | |
| Best Screenplay - Adaptation | William Goldman | Template:Nom | ||
| 6th Golden Satellite Awards | Best Cinematography | Piotr Sobociński | Template:Nom | |
| 23rd Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor | Anton Yelchin | Template:Won | |
| Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor | Will Rothhaar | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actress | Mika Boorem | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Family Feature Film - Drama | Hearts in Atlantis | Template:Nom |