Jacknife
| Jacknife | |
|---|---|
 Australian Poster | |
| Directed by | David Jones |
| Produced by |
Carol Baum Robert Schaffel |
| Written by | Stephen Metcalfe |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Bruce Broughton |
| Cinematography | Brian West |
| Edited by | John Bloom |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Cineplex Odeon Films |
Release dates | March 10, 1989 |
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $6 million |
| Box office | $2,049,769 |
Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. The film focuses on a small, serious story, with emphasis on characterization and the complex tension between people in a close relationship. Stephen Metcalfe, upon whose play, Strange Snow (1982), the film was based, wrote the screenplay.
Plot
Joseph Megessey (known to most as Megs) is a Vietnam war veteran suffering post-Vietnam stress syndrome who is having trouble fitting in with society. He takes on the responsibility of drawing Dave, a fellow veteran now an alcoholic, out of his shell by coaxing him to enjoy life again, as well as urging him to face up to some of his darker memories.
Megs finds himself attracted to Dave's meek sister Martha, who lives with Dave and looks after him. This attraction leads to a love affair, much to Dave's disapproval. Dave eventually vents his anger and frustration at a high school prom where Martha is a chaperone being accompanied by Megs. This leads to Dave finally facing his demons and acknowledging Megs and Martha for being there for him. Afterwards, despite initially ending what was a promising romance, Megs returns to Martha.
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Megs, Joseph Megessey
- Ed Harris as Dave
- Kathy Baker as Martha
- Sloane Shelton as Shirley
- Ivar Brogger as Depot Mechanic
- Michael Arkin as Dispatcher
- Tom Isbell as Bobby 'Red Sox' Buckman
- Kirk Taylor as Helicopter Gunner
- Jordan Lund as Tiny
- Tom Rack as William Green
- Charles S. Dutton as Jake, Veteran Encounter Group Leader (as Charles Dutton)
- Bruce Ramsay as Corridor Student
- Jessalyn Gilsig as His Girlfriend
- George Gerdes as Tony
- Josh Pais as Rick
Production
The movie was filmed in Montreal, Canada, Meriden, Connecticut, Wallingford, Connecticut, Newington, Connecticut, and New Britain, Connecticut.
External links
- Jacknife at the Internet Movie Database
- Jacknife at Rotten Tomatoes
- Jacknife at AllMovie