March 31, 2005 - by mulderpause

House of D is beautifully written and directed by David Duchovny, completely original and wonderfully acted by a marvelous cast.

House of D is a genuinely funny, sweet, poignant, touching, coming-of-age story. Duchovny's humor was evident throughout ... and not only big laughs and sweet laughs, but laughs of recognition at, and appreciation of, common foibles.

Duchovny effortlessly captured the New York City of his youth and mine ~ 1973. The predominately New York City crowd, who saw the film with me at the Tribeca Film Festival, seemed to especially enjoy the film, recognizing locations around the city.

The young Tommy, played by Anton Yelchin, was amazing, touching, fearless and shows remarkable range and depth as an actor. He's a talent to watch.

Zelda Williams, in her first film role, was lovely. She shows incredible promise as an actress. She's a delight. Look for her in the future. Yes, she's Robin's daughter and has a very funny scene with young Tommy and Pappas, the character played by her dad.

Robin William plays a mildly retarded janitor and his performance is poignant and touching as Tommy's friend and next door neighbor and his toward the end of the film, his scene with David Duchovny as the adult Tommy moved me to tears.

Tea Leoni was incandescent as Tommy's mom, a young widow struggling to keep herself together despite her overwhelming grief. She and Anton have some lovely scenes together.

Singer/actress Erykah Badu is remarkable as an inmate in the House of D and plays a pivotal character and is a funny and wise counsel for Tommy, who really doesn't have anyone to turn to.

Duchovny as adult Tommy and his situation as an man hiding his past is the springboard for the story of pivotal moments in his childhood.

House of D puts Duchovny on the map as a gifted screenwriter and director with an breathtakingly original vision and voice.

I cannot wait to see it again and hope this is the first of Duchovny's big screen productions.