Marvin's Room

This 1996 film tells a touching story of two sisters, Bessie (played by Diane Keaton) who has been caring for her bed-ridden father (Marvin) and eccentric aunt for twenty years; and Lee (played by Meryl Streep) who has spent the same twenty years messing-up her life and the life of her two sons. Bessie lived a life of self-sacrifice in order to care for others - experiencing love and true meaning in the process. Lee, on the other hand, ran from responsibility - only to discover that it led to a shallow, conflicted existence. Marvin's Room is about their forced reunion after discovering Bessie has leukemia and may soon die. Have a hanky ready as you watch love break through the conflict to make a powerful statement about the dignity and value of every human life - and the meaning that comes from loving those difficult to love.

DISCUSS: 

1.  By her actions, what was Bessie's view of personal worth? (See "A" below)

2.  How about Lee? (See "B" below)

3.  In the end, what did Lee learn? (See "C" below) 

4. What does this film say about the worth of the individual? (See "D" below)

THINK ABOUT IT: 

A) That all people are worthy and should be treated with dignity - even those who can't care for themselves.

B) That we should look out for ourselves only, and accept people who fit into our plan.
C) That even though it may be scary, we find true meaning when we put the needs of others ahead of ourselves.
D) That we are worthy based upon who we are, not based upon what we do.