Calvin and Beth, the parents, and Conrad, the son, strain to mend the severed emotions. The film Ordinary People, directed by Robert Redford, followed four years after the book was published. The film received four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. The novel and the film compare and contrast through emotional appeal, plot development, symbolism, and character development.

The emotions of the film appeal to the audience more than the novel. In contrast to the novel, the film presents each character with much animation. The situation expresses the emotions of Conrad once he releases his inner anger and punches Stillman, an enemy and personal rival of Conrad.

"Something explodes inside his head, the sound shattering the parking lot,

the red...