Grand Canyon (1991)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Lawrence Kasdan

Writers (WGA):

Lawrence Kasdan (written by) &
Meg Kasdan (written by)

Release Date:

10 January 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

From the director of "The Big Chill." A story of friendship and other natural wonders.

Plot:

Grand Canyon revolved around six residents from different backgrounds whose lives intertwine in modern-day Los Angeles...

Plot Keywords:

Friendship | Grand Canyon | Mugging | Extramarital Affair | Male Bonding

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Danny Glover	...	Simon
Kevin Kline	...	Mack
Steve Martin	...	Davis
Mary McDonnell	...	Claire
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Dee
Alfre Woodard	...	Jane
Jeremy Sisto	...	Roberto
Tina Lifford	...	Deborah
Patrick Malone	...	Otis
Randle Mell	...	The Alley Baron
Sarah Trigger	...	Vanessa
Destinee DeWalt	...	Kelley
Candace Mead	...	Claire's Baby
Lauren Mead	...	Claire's Baby (as Loren Mead)
Shaun Baker	...	Rocstar

Runtime:

134 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | South Korea:15 | Canada:PG (Canadian Home Video rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | Germany:12 | Netherlands:AL | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R (No. 31390) | Portugal:M/12

Filming Locations:

Arizona, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

The scene where Mack is nearly killed by a bus, was taken from writer/director Lawrence Kasdan's own life.

Goofs:

Continuity: After Steve Martin gets out of the hospital the nurse turns to walk away from his limo and the driver shuts the door at the same moment the car is being started. As soon as the camera pulls back to a wider shot the nurse is gone and the driver is behind the wheel.

Quotes:

Dee: Jane, do you ever feel like you are just this far from being completely hysterical twenty four hours a day?
Jane: Half the people I know feel that way. The lucky ones feel that way. The rest of the people ARE hysterical twenty four hours a day.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Big Lebowski (1998)

Soundtrack:

Searching for a Heart

Kasdan's vision is expertly shown

Perhaps you won't care for the social commentary, or the film makers point of view (I myself am mystified at the ‘insignificance' angle Kasdan seemed to promote – when clearly, the actions taken in the movie promote CERTAIN significance. The ending confused me). However, there's absolutely no denying the manner in which the story is presented; the magnificent symbolism throughout; the threaded character arcs; visuals; dialogue – is absolute masterwork. I've watched the movie dozens of times, and I still marvel at its perfection. There's not a moment, action, cut, or line that doesn't have everything to do with the theme. Realistic human performances from all the actors. Scene to scene it's woven fantastically.

I have a pretty level sap-meter. The buzzer never went off during this film. If you're a thinker (rather than a casual viewer) – this movie delivers. Exponentially. Absolutely mesmerizing. (Do you have to agree with the message to appreciate the display? Who cares if it made you warm and fuzzy or not, was it interesting?)

Personally, the movie affected me – significantly. In my top 5.

Note: The front-page reviewer clearly speaks from a flawed African American perception. What he may have failed to recognize, is, there was a hand – shake. Not a hand - out. The ‘spiritually dead white man', simply saw a man to respect, and admire. And he did something about it. The fact he was black had little, if anything, to do with it (color is simply used to draw the parallel. And the chasm. It's no accident the opening sequence shifts from black and white to color either). If you view the blacks in this movie as ‘token' – you may want to reassess YOUR angst. You may be seeing only black and white yourself, eh. Just a thought.