I, too, thought that Debra Winger's performance is outstanding, on a par with hers in "Officer/Gentleman," "Endearment," and "Shadowlands." She is a master at her craft. The supporting cast did exceedingly well also, in my opinion.
My only issue with the writing of this movie is how it is (rightfully so) all about Dawn for the first 100 minutes (with commercials), which is what drew my interest to the movie, but when the movie ends I find myself thinking more about April 20, 1999, and of Lauren, than I do of Dawn. As wonderful as the actresses portraying Lauren did with this role, maybe it would have been better to have better-known actresses portray Lauren, since the viewer was left with the memory of Lauren at the time of the closing dedication to those students who died rather than the wonderful woman who lives on to face the ongoing struggles, coming to terms of what occurred that day. I suppose it doesn't help, my living so near the high school here in Littleton, and still reading and hearing in the daily news about 'Life after Columbine.' Bottom Line: Is this movie just about Ms. Anna, as the title implies, or would a more suitable title have been, "Dawn and Lauren?"
My only issue with the writing of this movie is how it is (rightfully so) all about Dawn for the first 100 minutes (with commercials), which is what drew my interest to the movie, but when the movie ends I find myself thinking more about April 20, 1999, and of Lauren, than I do of Dawn. As wonderful as the actresses portraying Lauren did with this role, maybe it would have been better to have better-known actresses portray Lauren, since the viewer was left with the memory of Lauren at the time of the closing dedication to those students who died rather than the wonderful woman who lives on to face the ongoing struggles, coming to terms of what occurred that day. I suppose it doesn't help, my living so near the high school here in Littleton, and still reading and hearing in the daily news about 'Life after Columbine.' Bottom Line: Is this movie just about Ms. Anna, as the title implies, or would a more suitable title have been, "Dawn and Lauren?"