I watched this movie on cable recently because there was nothing else on at the time. The power of the film caught me by surprise--I'm amazed that it apparently didn't rate wider distribution (couldn't find a review in either of my movie guides). Its the story of a gay advertising exec (Sutherland) dying from AIDS and the complicated relationship that he has with his estranged sister (Sedgwick), a talented photographer. There are also references to the equally complicated relationships with their father (who probably murdered their mother). The realistic portrayal of these relationships is what drives this movie, bolstered by the outstanding performances of the actors. Sutherland is powerful as a dying man who is terrified and shows it by his alternating pleas for help and outbursts of anger at being helpless. Sedgwick is equally good as the sister who is cowed by her brother but trying to piece together the past and find resolution to the situation. The writer/director dedicated the film to "my brother Roy" and one wonders if this is the reason the film rings so true.
38 Reviews
Sutherland's excellent acting saves an otherwise below-par film
malcolmallancrossfield3 April 2005
"Behind The Red Door" is a film I picked up for two reasons: there was nothing else in, and Kiefer Sutherland, in my opinion, is the greatest under-rated actor today. The film starts off slowly, and doesn't really pick up. Natalie (Kyra Sedgwick) plays Kiefer's estranged sister. In fact, the two haven't seen each other in ten years. They are brought together due to Roy's (Kiefer Sutherland) sickness. The sickness isn't mentioned in the film, but because Roy is homosexual, we are brought to the conclusion that it is probably AIDS. Roy asks (or, rather demands) that Natalie be his nurse, as he does not want to die surrounded by strangers. To make things slightly more complicated, Natalie is starting to remember long-lost memories from her past about the death of her mother, and her abusive father, whom she believes killed her.
Fans of the adrenaline-pumped drama "24" will be amazed at the acting skills of Kiefer. In "24", he plays an Anti-Terrorist Agent with a short temper, but in "Behind The Red Door", he plays an obvious homosexual, and the performance is BELIEVABLE. There are some scenes that might bring a tear or two to your eye, the most notable being a close up of Roy when he starts to cry. "Behind The Red Door" wasn't the greatest film, the director wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, and the soundtrack sometimes didn't suit the mood of the film, but Kiefer's Oscar-worthy performance (if this film was directed by a well-known director, and was publicly well-known at the time of release, Kiefer would've been nominated) saves the film. You start to care about Roy, you feel that he's an actual person, and you feel deep sympathy for him. If you're going to pick this film up for anything, let it be Sutherland's performance. Otherwise, pick something else up.
Fans of the adrenaline-pumped drama "24" will be amazed at the acting skills of Kiefer. In "24", he plays an Anti-Terrorist Agent with a short temper, but in "Behind The Red Door", he plays an obvious homosexual, and the performance is BELIEVABLE. There are some scenes that might bring a tear or two to your eye, the most notable being a close up of Roy when he starts to cry. "Behind The Red Door" wasn't the greatest film, the director wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, and the soundtrack sometimes didn't suit the mood of the film, but Kiefer's Oscar-worthy performance (if this film was directed by a well-known director, and was publicly well-known at the time of release, Kiefer would've been nominated) saves the film. You start to care about Roy, you feel that he's an actual person, and you feel deep sympathy for him. If you're going to pick this film up for anything, let it be Sutherland's performance. Otherwise, pick something else up.
No One Prefers to Be Alone
claudio_carvalho18 November 2007
The talented photographer Natalie (Kyra Sedgwick) is having financial difficulties in New York. Her friend and agent Julia (Stockard Channing) finds a two day job in Boston for US$ 20,000.00, and the reluctant Natalie accepts the work due to her need of money. When she arrives, she finds that she was hired by her arrogant gay brother Roy (Kiefer Sutherland), a successful designer. Natalie has broken the relationship and they have not seen each other for ten years. When she finishes her assignment, Roy asks her to stay one more day for his birthday party, and after that he tells her that he has AIDS. Natalie stays with him and along his last days, their resentments change to fraternal love.
"Behind the Red Door" is a little movie, with a single and quite pointless story and great performances. Kiefer Sutherland surprises in the role of gay we are used to see him performing tough detectives and agents; Kyra Sedgwick is also great, as usual, and Stockard Channing is wasted in a minor role. Unfortunately the screenplay is not good: the quarrel of the siblings, why they have broken their relationship, is never explained; the death of their mother by the father is pointless and goes nowhere; and the financial position of the siblings could suggest that Natalie stayed with and bore Roy in the beginning just because of his wealthy testament and job position Roy promises to pay for everything, even for her to stay with him in his birthday party. The lead trio of actor and actresses deserved a better screenplay. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil) "Uma Porta Para o Passado" ("A Door to the Past")
"Behind the Red Door" is a little movie, with a single and quite pointless story and great performances. Kiefer Sutherland surprises in the role of gay we are used to see him performing tough detectives and agents; Kyra Sedgwick is also great, as usual, and Stockard Channing is wasted in a minor role. Unfortunately the screenplay is not good: the quarrel of the siblings, why they have broken their relationship, is never explained; the death of their mother by the father is pointless and goes nowhere; and the financial position of the siblings could suggest that Natalie stayed with and bore Roy in the beginning just because of his wealthy testament and job position Roy promises to pay for everything, even for her to stay with him in his birthday party. The lead trio of actor and actresses deserved a better screenplay. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil) "Uma Porta Para o Passado" ("A Door to the Past")
I knew Roy Karrell...
conciergealeks21 February 2009
I thought he was a wonderful man. The first time I met him, he told me I had the face of an angel. I worked for him at Bloomingdale's for Visage Beaute Cosmetics. He was very charming and had a dynamic personality. It was mesmorizing just looking at him. There were 10 of us girls working at the counter and we were all hopelessly devoted to Roy. I also met his partner, Kevin, he was a very nice man, as well. We did whatever we could to make his business a success and were instructed and coached to go out in the aisle of Bloomingdale's and grab women to come to our counter to try Visage. It was a really unique sales technique at the time. I watched this movie recently and I must say, Keifer Sutherland did a good job of portraying him, although I never saw this tougher side of Roy. I am glad that there is some sort of documentation to commemorate this very special man.
An okay film
Stockard_Channing_Fan26 April 2003
I thought this movie was somewhat depressing. The storyline is one that will touch your heart, but it wasn't an attention grabber. It has a small cast and the scenes mainly only take place between Kiefer and Kyra's characters. The relationship they have as brother and sister makes it enough worth watching, but i don't think the movie would satisfy many people. I do applaud the cast for their wonderful performances though.
So and so movie, excellent performance by Kiefer
nikos-1626 September 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Not too bad, but not something to watch more than once, unless you are a huge fan of one of the actors, who make a quite good appearance. Especially Kiefer nails his part and makes the film better. Otherwise quite slow film that leaves one possibly confused.
Possible SPOILERS follow:
It is nice to see Kiefer Sutherland in something else than 24. He can actually talk and not just whisper and he sure can act (but we already knew that). With just 5 seconds he can show that his character is gay, but I guess a lot of credit should go to the writers and director too. Kyra on the other hand did not impress me that much. Maybe it is because I didn't feel her character. But in all fairness she does capture her character well.
Possible SPOILERS follow:
It is nice to see Kiefer Sutherland in something else than 24. He can actually talk and not just whisper and he sure can act (but we already knew that). With just 5 seconds he can show that his character is gay, but I guess a lot of credit should go to the writers and director too. Kyra on the other hand did not impress me that much. Maybe it is because I didn't feel her character. But in all fairness she does capture her character well.
kiefer is gay
kairingler25 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When i first bought this movie i thought that it was about a big family quarrel or something, had no idea that the lead character was gay, but that's okay because i kinda liked the movie. Kiefer Sutherland ..24,, gives a great performance as a gay man,, unfotunately we do not learn who gave Roy the disease or how he got it. His sister agrees to come to Boston because she needs the money,, finds out it is her brother and tries to leave but to no avail. She agrees to stay for his birthday party and the next day finds out he has AIDS. now she has to take care of him on a full time basis,, another plot in the story told through violent flashbacks is about how their mother was killed by their father and how he got away with it,, overall not a bad movie,, just slow in parts.
Tear-jerking melodrama
Bess9419 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
We watched this film because of the fine cast, but we were taken aback by the obviousness of the story (sister has to reconcile with gay brother before he dies of AIDS)and the shallow characterizations.
No fault of the actors, but yikes! I could predict everything that was going to happen, and poor Kyra Segdwick and Kiefer Sutherland had no roles to play. Stockard Channing had maybe six lines. The screenplay was so poor that we never did figure out where the movie was supposed to be taking place, despite the breathtaking scenery. (Nova Scotia? Maine? I'd love to go there if I only knew.)
Overall: arty but not satisfying.
No fault of the actors, but yikes! I could predict everything that was going to happen, and poor Kyra Segdwick and Kiefer Sutherland had no roles to play. Stockard Channing had maybe six lines. The screenplay was so poor that we never did figure out where the movie was supposed to be taking place, despite the breathtaking scenery. (Nova Scotia? Maine? I'd love to go there if I only knew.)
Overall: arty but not satisfying.
Siblings
jotix1005 May 2004
Just caught up with this film recently as it was shown on Showtime. To say that it was a surprise, it's the least that can be said. I don't remember a anything as deeply felt, and as well done, and without the cheap sentimentality that might have drowned a film about the subject it treats: Aids.
Of course, this film wouldn't probably been made without the vision and the great direction of Mattia Karrell, who also contributed to the screen play. Contrary to what others have said in this forum, it is not a story that requires a box of tissues when one watches it. My own reaction was an amazement on how well the situation is handled, as it never relies of any cheap tricks to convey what is going on between the long distanced siblings. The past comes to haunt the sister, more so than the dying brother, who obviously was too young to realize what had happened to his mother who has died under mysterious circumstances.
Kiefer Sutherland as Roy, the perfectionist brother, is excellent as this man who must confront his own death. It must be terrible for someone in his line of business to realize his own mortality and have to depend in the kindness of a sister that he stayed away for too long. Kyra Sedgwick's take on the wounded Natalie, is too amazing for words. Natalie stays behind because the love she always felt for Roy. She never rebels against this blow fate has dealt her; Natalie shows she is a better person for staying with her brother until the end.
Never, in recent memory, two talented actors have been paired together with such rewarding results. Rounding the cast is Stockard Channing who is the one responsible for the family reunion, but she is a minor player in this film.
The gorgeous cinematography by Robert Elswit is too stunning for words. The musical score by David Fleury makes a great contribution to the mood of the film. Ultimately, thanks to the director Mattia Karrell comes such an unusual film that deals maturely in presenting a real slice of life without formulas.
Of course, this film wouldn't probably been made without the vision and the great direction of Mattia Karrell, who also contributed to the screen play. Contrary to what others have said in this forum, it is not a story that requires a box of tissues when one watches it. My own reaction was an amazement on how well the situation is handled, as it never relies of any cheap tricks to convey what is going on between the long distanced siblings. The past comes to haunt the sister, more so than the dying brother, who obviously was too young to realize what had happened to his mother who has died under mysterious circumstances.
Kiefer Sutherland as Roy, the perfectionist brother, is excellent as this man who must confront his own death. It must be terrible for someone in his line of business to realize his own mortality and have to depend in the kindness of a sister that he stayed away for too long. Kyra Sedgwick's take on the wounded Natalie, is too amazing for words. Natalie stays behind because the love she always felt for Roy. She never rebels against this blow fate has dealt her; Natalie shows she is a better person for staying with her brother until the end.
Never, in recent memory, two talented actors have been paired together with such rewarding results. Rounding the cast is Stockard Channing who is the one responsible for the family reunion, but she is a minor player in this film.
The gorgeous cinematography by Robert Elswit is too stunning for words. The musical score by David Fleury makes a great contribution to the mood of the film. Ultimately, thanks to the director Mattia Karrell comes such an unusual film that deals maturely in presenting a real slice of life without formulas.
Well intentened that is not like Made for tv movie
jordondave-280851 April 2023
(2003) Behind the Red Door
DRAMA
Co-produce, co-written and directed by Matia Karrell with New Yorker photographer, Natalie (Kyra Sydrick) visiting her estranged gay brother, designer Roy (Keifer Sutherland) who lives in Boston she soon finds out he is dying. Stockard Channing also stars as Julia as Natalie's agent. Part of the purpose of their reunion is also to learn more about their mother's death, which is what is meant by the movie's title as it happened behind the red door!
This is good drama movie that is not like the Hallmark channel as the mystery regarding their mom's demise and the estranged father who denies his past is a rather difficult theme.
Co-produce, co-written and directed by Matia Karrell with New Yorker photographer, Natalie (Kyra Sydrick) visiting her estranged gay brother, designer Roy (Keifer Sutherland) who lives in Boston she soon finds out he is dying. Stockard Channing also stars as Julia as Natalie's agent. Part of the purpose of their reunion is also to learn more about their mother's death, which is what is meant by the movie's title as it happened behind the red door!
This is good drama movie that is not like the Hallmark channel as the mystery regarding their mom's demise and the estranged father who denies his past is a rather difficult theme.
not worth the time
annie_c121 May 2005
The only redeeming quality about this film is that it ends...and not soon enough at that. Dismissing the 1980's fashion sense that hearkens back to scrunchies and leopard printed suits, this movie just stinks. Don't get me wrong, I love Keifer Sutherland, but this feeble attempt at playing an ailing gay man just doesn't do it for me. Character development is poor and we are just left to fill in the holes using tired out stereotypes.
This movie would have scored much better as a theatre piece for artsy types with poor taste. I'm sorry to say Keifer, but no amount of 24 style eye-blinking acting could save this one.
This movie would have scored much better as a theatre piece for artsy types with poor taste. I'm sorry to say Keifer, but no amount of 24 style eye-blinking acting could save this one.
Excellent
p_yanna11 August 2003
I knew next to nothing about this film and rented mainly because I have loved Kiefer Sutherland since I first saw him in Stand by me (and that's a difficult movie to love him in)
His performance is simply perfection, never becoming too sympathetic, never losing touch of the character. Oddly, what has stayed with me is the flashback scene of him applying makeup on his dead mother's face, lipstick shaking in his hands.
This is a complex and beautiful film, focussing on the relationship between brother and sister, rather than the glamorous world they are both working in or the mystery of who killed their mother.
I know I must see this film again. I strongly recommend it.
His performance is simply perfection, never becoming too sympathetic, never losing touch of the character. Oddly, what has stayed with me is the flashback scene of him applying makeup on his dead mother's face, lipstick shaking in his hands.
This is a complex and beautiful film, focussing on the relationship between brother and sister, rather than the glamorous world they are both working in or the mystery of who killed their mother.
I know I must see this film again. I strongly recommend it.
Dysfunctional message from a dysfunctional family.
paulcreeden26 July 2005
I watched this film last evening on cable after previously shutting it off when the AIDS subplot became apparent. My initial instinct proved valid. I am partial to Kyra Sedgewick, but am usually skeptical about Keifer Sutherland as a leading character in anything. Well, they both were equally bad with this badly written script which is badly edited and badly filmed in lovely St. John, Newfoundland. Gay stereotypes abound. Artistic personalities are also painted with a very broad roller. Ms. Channing bumbles through several scenes, but has little impact. I felt a little ashamed of hating this film so much when I read the final dedication in the credits, but I still begrudged the time I spent watching it. The message of reconciliation seemed hollow, a dysfunctional message from a dysfunctional family.
Perfection
nanor9 May 2003
Kiefer is known for his diverse roles, and characters. In this film he has taken yet another different turn, playing an AIDS infected, gay, Fashion designer, Makeup artist, a perfectionist. The film is about the emotional distress that he is going through, not just because of the illness but trying to regain his beloved sister back into his short remaining life, and dealing with their traumatic childhood memory, their mother's death by the hands of their father...
excellent script, perfectly played characters, beautiful cinematography, capturing the depth of the story into each shot of film. it is not your regular Kiefer movie, where you'd see some sort of action sequence or thriller plot. it's a very emotional movie and deep story.
Kiefer is an amazing performer mastering every detail of his characters. I never pictured Kiefer in a homosexual storyline, but he did it perfectly...
excellent script, perfectly played characters, beautiful cinematography, capturing the depth of the story into each shot of film. it is not your regular Kiefer movie, where you'd see some sort of action sequence or thriller plot. it's a very emotional movie and deep story.
Kiefer is an amazing performer mastering every detail of his characters. I never pictured Kiefer in a homosexual storyline, but he did it perfectly...
Terrible
ericmillsem20 August 2022
Brilliant!
mlahr9922 September 2003
First let me say that I am a long-time Kiefer fan (and yes, I too, think that 24 is the best show on television!) but that doesn't bias my opinion of this film. This film is one of the best I've seen this year. It is a quiet, beautiful character study which doesn't rely upon or need glitz or flash. The depths of these characters could not be explored without the even, thoughtful performances of Sutherland and Sedgwick. I watched the DVD twice as a rental then looked high & low to find it for sale with no luck until I convinced my local video store to sell a rental copy to me. Don't miss an opportunity to see this film!
simply said: GREAT movie!
nieltje1 February 2003
I cried almost an ocean of tears when I saw this movie for the first time. it's simply said a fantastic movie. Kiefer Sutherland plays a terrific role as a dying man, Roy, who meets his sister Natalie ( a great role by Kyra Sedgwick) after a very long time. The plot doesn't say much, but please watch this movie, and you'll love it, just like me. I give it an A+
A dying man must make amends with his estranged sister.
erised22-110 February 2003
When I first saw this movie, I was amazed to see the chemistry between Sutherland and Sedgwick. Every line that Sutherland said was perfect and his manurisms were that of a dying, gay man. I was really surprised to Sedgwick give her all in this role as Natalie.Every line in this movie was delivered perfectly and all of the actors were outstanding! A must see flick! A++++!
Exquisite Acting Masterpiece
lovespirit13 January 2003
I watched this movie and was highly impressed with Keifer Sutherland and Kyra Sedgwick's acting!! A deeply emotional movie with meaning for the title! Nice filming of how the actors (Keifer and Kyra) reflect back on the past...haunting at times. Another wonderful film by Showtime. More than just about being gay and AIDS...about a brother and sister's relationship...changing from a love-hate relationship to a loving one as the main character with health problems leaves this Earth. Stockard Channing, as an agent for both Kyra and Keifer, is so, so...but Keifer and Kyra are what make the movie a classic. Their acting and the dynamics are fascinating. Keifer Sutherland plays a gay man with AIDS on medication, who is an ad executive. Kyra Sedgwick plays a "straight" photographer who doesn't show her gift of photography, but gets an assignment through her agent that ends up being for her brother. After they meet again, does she go home leaving him? Watch the movie and see!! AAA+++ for this movie. It is striking in its interspersement of the past and present, the use of emotions, the acting of Keifer and Kyra and the beauty of the setting that it was filmed in (a European country). The house that the main character lives in is beautiful along with the outdoor scenery. This is a movie about love and deeply held emotions and a relative who cares.
Kiefer and Kyra make this work
Rogue-3213 November 2003
Behind the Red Door features two wonderful, nuanced performances from Kiefer and Kyra, who make us believe they are actually brother and sister - a major achievement in itself. The film has a very haunted atmosphere that thickens and deepens as the story progresses; ultimately it's a heart-felt experience, one that rings true in a quiet, subtle way.
A moving story about growth, forgiveness, and learning love.
leichertnp7 July 2004
When I first saw this movie, I had a hard time following it because there was so much going on with all of the characters, particularly with their emotions. After seeing it a second time, I was extremely impressed with the character development of both Keifer Sutherland and Kyra Sedgwick. The growth, understanding, forgiveness (self-forgiveness as well as forgiveness to each other), was profound. I only hope that if you are having problems with a sibling or family member, you have the courage to watch this movie (as many times as it takes) and follow the example of "making up" before it's too late. I highly recommend this for older teens and all other family members. It's not for children mainly because of the language.
My comments
mlaura_noel27 August 2002
Not Alone in Review
res0rrpftexas1 June 2003
I'm glad to see other peoples' review are like mine. I don't think enough people have seen this movie. It was great drama, Kiefer Sutherland's performance as a dying man - forcing a reconciliation with his sister,was wonderful. He always play tough so well, naturally he would be good as this forceful ad designer perfectionist who happens to be gay and has aids. What a complex character, he played it so well. All the characters were realistic, you feel something for all of them. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in complex yet simple story that reminds us how important family relationships are no matter how dysfunctional it may seem.
Kudos for "Showtime"!!
RitchCS13 January 2003
Tonight was the premiere showing of "Behind the Red Door" and I was overwhelmed to say the least! Rarely does the perfect script wind up with the perfect cast and director. Someone wasn't paying attention because everyone who should've been, got hired at the same time. Needless to say, to me the best show on TV is "24". In "Red Door", Kiefer Sutherland, again, showed his range in terrific acting. He's be overlooked by Hollywood for too many years. His role as Roy, the AIDS-inflicted gay designer with a daylight/dark personality was never overdone and he played it to the hilt. The same can be said for the "angry" sister, played by Kyra Sedgwick. She's one of the best but always seems to be discounted when producers are looking for actresses who can act. The script, based on fact and actual conversations, was almost too intelligent. The character development and the many changes it goes through was flawless. 'Tis a pity that the movie was shown long before the Emmy nominations are selected. It will be forgotten by that time. It will take a powerhouse of writing and acting for anyone to top this!!! Stockard Channing was just icing on the perfect cake. Though her role was smaller, she delivered her professional performance as to be expected.
I'm sure if Hollywood had attempted to make this into a theatrical release, the story would have gone much further by having Kyra take over Kiefer's job and firing the inept co-worker and having lots of fashion shows and the final gala...but this production chose to illustrate real people in an all too real situation...the fact that one in twenty people are affected by the most dreadful disease in our time. "Showtime"'s Presentation was "right on" and hit every mark. It's a movie that should be seen and then seen again! Little things such as the tiny wave that Kiefer gave his sister from the garden. The line Kiefer says to the nurse...which shows his softer side for the first time. On and on, this movie is perfection personified!!!
I'm sure if Hollywood had attempted to make this into a theatrical release, the story would have gone much further by having Kyra take over Kiefer's job and firing the inept co-worker and having lots of fashion shows and the final gala...but this production chose to illustrate real people in an all too real situation...the fact that one in twenty people are affected by the most dreadful disease in our time. "Showtime"'s Presentation was "right on" and hit every mark. It's a movie that should be seen and then seen again! Little things such as the tiny wave that Kiefer gave his sister from the garden. The line Kiefer says to the nurse...which shows his softer side for the first time. On and on, this movie is perfection personified!!!
Simply splendid
k0ph3771 February 2003
One of the best dramas ever made... Makes you ponder about the rejects of loneliness; one of the better movies made in the year of 2002.. Both Keifer Sutherland and Kyra Sedwick are amazing in the acting as the two siblings... Very touching indeed, a must see.
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