The Good Mother (1988 film)

The Good Mother is a 1988 American drama film and an adaptation of Sue Miller's novel of the same name. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the film stars Diane Keaton and Liam Neeson in the leading roles. The Good Mother explores feelings and beliefs about children's exposure to adult sexuality and challenges society's growing reliance upon courts to settle complex private and ethical matters.^[1]

The Good Mother
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Leonard Nimoy
Screenplay by	Michael Bortman
Based on	The Good Mother by Sue Miller
Produced by	Arne Glimcher
Starring	Diane Keaton Liam Neeson Jason Robards Ralph Bellamy
Cinematography	David Watkin
Edited by	Peter E. Berger
Music by	Elmer Bernstein
Production companies	Touchstone Pictures Silver Screen Partners IV
Distributed by	Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release date	November 4, 1988 (1988-11-04)
Running time	103 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$14 million
Box office	$4,764,606

Plot

Anna Dunlap (Keaton), is a Boston piano teacher, working part-time at a college laboratory who recently divorced her husband Brian (James Naughton) and has custody of her six-year-old daughter Molly (Asia Viera). Soon, Anna meets and falls in love with Leo (Neeson), a sexually liberated Irish sculptor who changes her perspective on life. One day, Molly sees Leo naked in the bathroom, and she asks if she can touch him, which he allows. After Molly talks to Brian about her experience with Leo, Brian accuses Leo of sexually molesting Molly and sues Anna for custody of their daughter. Leo explains he thought it was in keeping with Anna's parenting, since she had bathed with Molly and was very open with her. A counselor agrees that Leo should have known better but he believes that Molly hasn't been abused and is a very well adjusted and happy child, particularly with Anna and Leo. However, Brian wins custody of Molly, and Anna and Leo end their relationship.

Cast List

• Diane Keaton as Anna Dunlop
• Liam Neeson as Leo Cutter
• Jason Robards as W. O. Muth
• Ralph Bellamy as Frank, Anna's maternal grandfather
• Teresa Wright as Eleanor, Anna's maternal grandmother
• James Naughton as Brian Dunlop
• Asia Vieira as Molly Dunlop
• Joe Morton as Frank Williams
• Fred Melamed as Dr. Payne
• Katey Sagal as Ursula
• Margaret Bard as Aunt Rain
• Nancy Beatty as Anna's Mother
• Barry Belchamber as Anna's Father
• Mairon Bennett as Young Anna Dunlop
• Zachary Bennett as Young Bobby
• Scott Brunt as Eric
• Marvin Karon as Older Bobby
• Charles Kimbrough as Uncle Orrie
• Tracy Griffith as Babe
• Matt Damon as Extra
• Ben Affleck as Extra

Reception

The film received mixed reviews.^[2][3][4] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 54% based on reviews from 13 critics.^[5]