Five Corners (1987)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Tony Bill

Writer:

John Patrick Shanley (writer)

Release Date:

11 September 1987 (Finland)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Friends last forever. Goodness is its own reward. ...And there ain't no Indians in the Bronx.

Plot:

Young psychotic man returns to neighborhood after release from prison. He seeks young lady he previously tried to rape and young man who protected her...

Plot Keywords:

Psychopath | Penguin | Stalking | Pacifist | Independent Film

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Jodie Foster	...	Linda
Tim Robbins	...	Harry
Todd Graff	...	Jamie
John Turturro	...	Heinz
Michael R. Howard	...	Murray
Pierre Epstein	...	George
Jery Hewitt	...	Mr. Glascow
Rodney Harvey	...	Castro
Daniel Jenkins	...	Willie
Elizabeth Berridge	...	Melanie
Cathryn de Prume	...	Brita
Carl Capotorto	...	Sal
Jose Soto Jr.	...	Boy in Pet Store
Kathleen Chalfant	...	Mrs. Fitzgerald
John Seitz	...	Sullivan

Also Known As:

5 Corners (USA) (video box title)

Runtime:

90 min | Canada:95 min (Ontario)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | South Korea:18 | UK:15 | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Astoria, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Cineplex-Odeon Films

Trivia:

Writer John Patrick Shanley said incidents in the story were based on his own experiences growing up in New York City.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Set in 1964, when Linda talks on her home phone with Heinz, the phone handset is clearly seen to have a modular plug connection to its cord. The now-popular modular plugs were not introduced until much later in the 70's.

Quotes:

Heinz: ...and what he is going to do tonight?
Mrs. Sabantino: He is... he is going to die.
Heinz: Thank you mama, thank you.
[He carries her in his arms, and then throws her out of the window]

Soundtrack:

In My Life

A pleasant surprise...

I came across this film on sale, and purchased it because I saw the leading roles- Jodie Foster and Tim Robbins, before they really got famous, and I was surprised at how well the movie was done. Set in the 60s, Five Corners rings true with tone and mood of the times. Plot is straightfoward and even mildly believable, but what the film's shining aspect is its portrayal of human emotions- its very clean, raw look at the fundamental of social interaction.

Listen to Jamie's cries at his abducted girlfriend through the steel subway bars. Feel his pain as he scratches for the just-beyond-reach token. Though seemingly one dimensional at first, Heinz is a complex, tortured character with roots (albeit predictably) from youth and upbringing.

The film belies its innocent appearance with a few unexpected flashes of violence, yet maintains a positive feel with occaisional punchlines. Another surprise is Eriq La Salle, who plays a commanding role in the film's racial commentary. (Look for his surgeonesque brusque manner in his pre-Benton, MD role.)

All together with a mysterious archer vigilante (?) in the midst and cute penguins mucking about, this film is worthy of your time if you have some extra.

Verdict for a five dollar DVD? A+ simply on the Beatles tune alone.