Running on Empty (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
In 'Running on Empty' (directed by Sidney Lumet), Arthur & Annie Pope (Judd Hirsch, Christine Lahti) are a pair of '60's fugitive radicals who have eluded the FBI for 16 yrs. after bombing a napalm lab as a Vietnam War protest. Their lifestyle means that they must establish new identities, rely on underground supporters for $$, move, & uproot their family frequently. This is especially hard on their 18 yr. old Danny (River Phoenix) & 10 yr. old Harry; who can never make lasting friends or get good grades in school. The latter issue rears its head when they arrive in N.J. where the high school music teacher takes an interest in Danny's piano playing, encouraging him to apply for early admission to Juilliard! Danny's excited, but knows that separating from mom & dad would be permanent.
Arthur can't stand the thought of breaking up the family, which has provided the support that's allowed him to tolerate his way of life. But Annie sees her own sacrificed dreams in her son's musical talents; and begins pressuring her husband to let their son have his 'own' way in life. Arthur is against this; as it would risk their safety. Complicating matters, Danny has fallen in love with the daughter of his music teacher, Lorna (Martha Plimpton, of The Goonies), but can't allow himself to get too close to her, because he knows that he may have to relocate at any time. Can Danny ever live a life of his own?
'Running on Empty' is a quietly painful film to watch. But it's also emotional & gripping drama in which a choice must be made btwn. staying together or breaking up; and perhaps, fulfilling un-tapped potential. The Hirsch & Lahti characters were never able to tap into their potential(s). Their whole life was 'underground'. How could they ask their talented pianist son to hold back on his dreams? That said, if they open the door & let him walk away, they know that they'd probably never see him again (or at least for decades). How do they know that their teenage son would make it?
The balance btwn. what's right, what's wrong, what's justified, what's safe ... it's a tricky one for Arthur & Annie. And I think the performances are excellent at capturing all the shades of these inner-tortured characters. Judd Hirsch - great. Christine Lahti - heartbreaking. Martha Plimpton - solid supporting girlfriend portrayal. And River Phoenix - well, he's brilliant. And his empathetic performance is worthy of big Oscar consideration. He's a star in the making. My heart went out to several of the characters in 'Running on Empty'. And because this family's turmoil is so unique, I found the film to be compulsively watchable.
Arthur can't stand the thought of breaking up the family, which has provided the support that's allowed him to tolerate his way of life. But Annie sees her own sacrificed dreams in her son's musical talents; and begins pressuring her husband to let their son have his 'own' way in life. Arthur is against this; as it would risk their safety. Complicating matters, Danny has fallen in love with the daughter of his music teacher, Lorna (Martha Plimpton, of The Goonies), but can't allow himself to get too close to her, because he knows that he may have to relocate at any time. Can Danny ever live a life of his own?
'Running on Empty' is a quietly painful film to watch. But it's also emotional & gripping drama in which a choice must be made btwn. staying together or breaking up; and perhaps, fulfilling un-tapped potential. The Hirsch & Lahti characters were never able to tap into their potential(s). Their whole life was 'underground'. How could they ask their talented pianist son to hold back on his dreams? That said, if they open the door & let him walk away, they know that they'd probably never see him again (or at least for decades). How do they know that their teenage son would make it?
The balance btwn. what's right, what's wrong, what's justified, what's safe ... it's a tricky one for Arthur & Annie. And I think the performances are excellent at capturing all the shades of these inner-tortured characters. Judd Hirsch - great. Christine Lahti - heartbreaking. Martha Plimpton - solid supporting girlfriend portrayal. And River Phoenix - well, he's brilliant. And his empathetic performance is worthy of big Oscar consideration. He's a star in the making. My heart went out to several of the characters in 'Running on Empty'. And because this family's turmoil is so unique, I found the film to be compulsively watchable.