Watch Perfectly Normal

Perfectly Normal is a thought-provoking movie from 1990 that stars Robbie Coltrane, Michael Riley, and Deborah Duchene. Set in Toronto, Canada, the film depicts the life of a man named Barney Panofsky, played by Coltrane, who is going through a midlife crisis. He is a successful television producer who is on his third marriage, and he spends his days drinking heavily and reminiscing about his past.

The story is told from Barney's perspective, and we get to see his life through a series of flashbacks. We learn that he was once a struggling writer in his 20s who fell in love with a woman named Clara, played by Duchene. They had a son together, but the relationship was short-lived as Clara left Barney for his best friend. Barney then went on to marry a wealthy Jewish woman named Miriam, played by Annette O'Toole. They had two children together, but their marriage was also plagued by infidelity and other problems.

As Barney reflects on his past, he begins to make sense of his present. He is now in his 50s and is suffering from the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. He is still drinking heavily and is increasingly forgetful, often losing track of time and people's names. This creates tension in his relationships with his adult children, who are concerned about their father's mental health.

The film explores themes of memory, identity, and regret. Barney is haunted by the mistakes of his past and is struggling to come to terms with who he is now. He is a man who has had everything he ever wanted - money, success, love - but is still unhappy. His journey is one of self-discovery as he tries to find meaning in his life before his memory fades completely.

The performances in Perfectly Normal are outstanding. Robbie Coltrane is brilliant as Barney, capturing the character's complexity and vulnerability. Michael Riley is also excellent as the adult version of Barney's son, who struggles with his own demons while trying to support his father. Deborah Duchene is memorable as Clara, Barney's lost love, and Annette O'Toole delivers a powerful performance as Miriam, Barney's second wife.

The film is directed by Yves Simoneau, who does an excellent job of pacing the story and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of Toronto's skyline and the changing seasons. The soundtrack, composed by Milan Kymlicka, is haunting and adds to the film's emotional depth.

Perfectly Normal is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about our memory, our choices, and our sense of self. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Perfectly Normal is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.