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Inventing The Abbotts Details

1997 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 1081 members

In the placid, potboiler-perfect 1950s hamlet of Haley, Illinois, life revolves around the wealthy and powerful Abbott family, which boasts three strapping brunette daughters in addition to its monetary assets. On the other side of the proverbial tracks live two fatherless brothers--one idolises the Abbotts, while the other .. Read more

Starring Liv Tyler, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly
Director Pat O'Connor
Genres Drama

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Inventing The Abbotts

In the placid, potboiler-perfect 1950s hamlet of Haley, Illinois, life revolves around the wealthy and powerful Abbott family, which boasts three strapping brunette daughters in addition to its monetary assets. On the other side of the proverbial tracks live two fatherless brothers--one idolises the Abbotts, while the other seeks to destroy them by systematically deflowering and debasing the sisters.

Starring Liv Tyler, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Baker, Will Patton
Director Pat O'Connor
Studio 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 43 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 01 Mar 2004
Production year: 1997
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of Inventing The Abbotts

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Pat O'Connor's follow-up to Circle of Friends isn't quite as enjoyable, but is a pleasant enough distraction for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Joaquin Phoenix and Billy Crudup star as two working-class brothers in 1950s Illinois who share a fascination for the neighbouring (and wealthy) Abbott family, and two of the daughters — Jennifer Connelly and Liv Tyler — in particular. While there is a tentative romance between Phoenix and Tyler, it's overshadowed by deception and resentment between the families, which ultimately gives the film a depressing tone. Nice performances, though, from the young cast, and Will Patton and Kathy Baker in supporting roles.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Haley, Illinois, 1957: Phoenix and Crudup are the blue-collar Holt brothers who dare to glance at the glittering Abbott... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of Inventing The Abbotts

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  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A Nice Gentle Film - A Must-See For All Girlies Ou

    A must-see for anyone who likes 'nice' drama without gratuitous sex or violence.

    A great little story about love, family life, snobbery and set in 50s and 60s America. Joaquin is great, Liv less so. It has a mixture of happy and sad moments - perfect for any mood you're in. It's not a fast paced action film, but a gentle exploration of the trials of growing up and prejudice, focusing mainly on the relationship between two brothers. Something about it makes me think of it 'The Fried Green Tomato' and 'The Great Gatsby' - though I'm not sure what (maybe the narration?).

    This would be a great film for a girlie evening, but certainly not just brain- or eye- candy. Girls, you MUST see this one.

      • catslovelycats from West Sussex
      • Posted 07 Mar 2006 20:26

  • Most recent members' review of Inventing The Abbotts

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  • 3 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Quite enjoyable; worth your time

    I watched it because I'm a fan of Jennifer Connelly who, once again, looks great, playing a very forward sister to Liv Tyler. In fact Connelly isn't on screen all that long and the story focuses more on the fraught relationship between Joaquin Phoenix and Tyler. This movie also features a touching performance by an actress I haven't come across before, Kathy Baker (who plays mom to the two boys); she has a very expressive and, dare I say it, sweet, face! For me she made the film.

      • Michael McGhie from Bury, Lancashire
      • Posted 17 Jul 2004 10:16

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      • In the placid, potboiler-perfect 1950s hamlet of Haley, Illinois, life revolves around the wealthy and powerful Abbott family, which boasts three strapping brunette daughters in addition to its ...