Written by Jennifer
March 22, 2009
"I don't need you to make me happy. I just want you to leave me alone when I am."
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio is one of those unassuming little movies that turns out to be more original and more moving than any big-budget blockbuster. An entire film about a 1960's housewife winning jingle contests doesn't sound like anything to write home about, but when you consider the fact that it's the true story of a woman who kept her ten kids and a worthless husband out of the poorhouse with her winnings, you might just be compelled to get out your stationery set.
Julianne Moore stars as Evelyn Ryan, a talented writer with a sunny disposition. Evelyn trades a promising career for adventure, which she finds in the form of Kelly (Woody Harrelson). They pass the time dancing and singing, but when Kelly's vocal chords are damaged in a car accident, Evelyn finds herself married to a bitter, broken man who is utterly resigned to being ordinary. He works in a license plate factory, and squanders most of their money on booze. It is Evelyn who comes to the rescue with her crafty jingles and prize winnings. On the brink of eviction, Evelyn wins enough money to buy a quaint two-storey house, but it's the early 60's, and the boys see no reason for her name to appear on the title. You know this is going to come back to haunt her.
Such is the injustice of Evelyn's life, and you can't help wanting more for her. Every stride she makes is hampered by one of Kelly's drunken tantrums or some display of his overwhelming insecurity. He feels emasculated by her accomplishments, but doesn't mind crying at all random times in front of his entire family. "Evelyn won a prize, hoo hoo hoo. The Red Sox lost a game, hoo hoo hoo." Yah. I'm sure his sickening, sniveling demeanor has nothing to do with the compromised state of his manhood. I have never despised Woody Harrelson so thoroughly, and he is almost unrecognizable in this excellent performance.
In sharp contrast to Harrelson's Kelly, Julianne Moore is vibrant and lovely as Evelyn. Utterly unflappable, and ever the optimist, she always manages to find happiness within the dreary confines of her life. As frustrating as her situation is from the outside, Evelyn isn't as oppressed as she seems. She's great at making subtly cutting remarks to Kelly, and maintains that he's the one who should be pitied - he lost his voice, after all, and she has not. When Kelly grovels that he doesn't know how to make her happy, she says simply, " Go Evelyn!
Eventually, Evelyn finds a kindred spirit in Dora Schaefer (Laura Dern), the leader of a contesting group. Dora repeatedly invites her to come meet the other ladies, but Evelyn can't drive, and Kelly couldn't possibly shame himself by driving her and then waiting for her in the car. Oh my god! Can I kick that man? But Evelyn's daughter Tuffy (Ellary Porterfield) finally learns to drive, and she makes sure that Evelyn gets to one of the meetings. When mother and daughter arrive at their destination (after 100 miles and car trouble to boot), their reception is so warm that you just want to weep. At last we see Evelyn scooped up by women of her caliber and buoyed by their support. Hurray! Though Evelyn will face more hard times, this remarkable woman does not go unrecognized. Her children realize that she's the one who holds up the family, and Kelly knows this too. By the end of the film, even he has redeemed himself, and it is Tuffy who grew up to write The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. Thanks to the insightful direction of Jane Anderson, and the stellar performances of Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson, Evelyn Ryan will not be forgotten.
