the fresh films reviews

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Running on Empty (1988)

Director:
Sidney Lumet
COUNTRY
USA
GENRE
Drama/Comedy
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Jaget av fortiden
RUNNING TIME
116 minutes
Producer:
Griffin Dunne
Amy Robinson
Screenwriter:
Naomi Foner


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Danny Pope River Phoenix ½
Annie Pope Christine Lathi
Arthur Pope Judd Hirsch
Lorna Phillips Martha Plimpton
Harry Pope Jonas Abry
Gus Winant L. M. Kit Carson
Donald Patterson Steven Hill
Abigail Patterson Augusta Dabney

 

Review

Superb human drama, although arguably not timeless, because the film is 1980s both in style and thematics. Sidney Lumet brings drive and intensity to his filmmaking, and the story by Naomi Foner has depth and heart. Still, Running on Empty is more than anything a showcase for River Phoenix, whose brilliant lead performance is arguably the best and fullest of his career. You can actually see how Martha Plimpton and Judd Hirsh (in particular) revel in his presence and in playing off of him. That now famous ending is among the warmest and most fulfilling of the 80s. Phoenix was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his work.

Copyright © 02.05.2019 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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