Preview of door to door - Movie Review Example

HERE YOUR HERE HERE HERE Movie Review: Door to Door Door to Door is a compelling movie starring William H. Macy whoplayed Bill Porter, an individual with a true spirit of dedication and perseverance. Bill Porter, in the film, was born with cerebral palsy which caused him significant struggles since his youth and well into his adulthood. His cerebral palsy causes him to walk with considerable difficulty and with convulsive behaviors. However, throughout the film, Porter’s mother, played by Helen Mirren, is a positive reinforcer in Porter’s life who always reminds him that he can accomplish great feats and continues to offer support despite his massive disabilities.

During the 1950s, it was considered next to impossible for a person with Porter’s type of disability to gain respect, much less any kind of meaningful employment. During this period, Porter is continuously told that he has no employable skills or talents and would not be beneficial to any companies. Finally, in 1955, Porter does land a job with The Watkins Company as a door-to-door salesperson. At first, Porter has significant difficulty making any kind of sales, experiencing a never-ending flood of slammed doors from customers who are either not interested in his products or find his disability frightening or distasteful.

In his early salesperson efforts, Porter even meets with aggressive dogs that continue to frustrate his efforts. Finally, Porter makes his first sale with an isolated and socially withdrawn alcoholic woman by the name of Gladys, who is played by Kathy Baker. Despite her isolationism and somewhat eccentric attitude, Gladys eventually becomes Porter’s best customer and friend. The first sale made with Baker’s character gives Porter even more determination to continue as a door-to-door salesperson despite the significant problems he has just trying to walk.

The movie reinforces that Porter must walk many miles each and every day, however his enormous spirit, patience and resolve make him overcome the odds as it is related to his cerebral palsy difficulties. Throughout the film, Porter develops and maintains a long-lasting relationship with Kyra Sedgwick who plays the role of Shelly, his assistant. As the years evolve, so does Shelly who also continues to age along with Porter until their friendship is much more dynamic than when it originally started in the 1950s.

Throughout a 40 year period, Shelly is one of the most supportive and inspirational figures for Bill Porter in the film. Eventually, as time and the use of marketing catalogs and Internet usage replaces the need for door-to-door salespersons, Porter decides to retire from the profession and simply accept that his usefulness as a salesperson is simply not possible in the face of modernization and changing society. However, Shelly reinforces that Bill maintains the ability to be useful even in the face of changing salesperson dynamics and Bill remains a dedicated salesperson for the rest of his career.

Door to Door is a touching story of the spirit of human dedication and overcoming all odds despite ravaging disability. It is a story of courage and social support that is extremely touching with an excellent cast of all-star characters. It is a treasured screen gem that serves as an inspiration for everyone who views it.