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The Indian Runner (1991) 7.0
An intensely sad film about two brothers who cannot overcome their opposite perceptions of life. One brother sees and feels bad in everyone and everything, subsequently he is violent, ... See full summary » Director:Sean PennWriter:Sean Penn |
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Title: The Indian Runner (1991)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| David Morse | ... | ||
| Viggo Mortensen | ... |
Frank Roberts
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| Valeria Golino | ... |
Maria
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| Patricia Arquette | ... |
Dorothy
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| Charles Bronson | ... | ||
| Sandy Dennis | ... |
Mrs. Roberts
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| Dennis Hopper | ... |
Caesar
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| Jordan Rhodes | ... |
Randall
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Enzo Rossi | ... |
Raffael
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Harry Crews | ... |
Mr. Baker
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| Eileen Ryan | ... |
Mrs. Baker
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Trevor Endicott | ... | |
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Brandon Fleck | ... |
7-Years-Old Frank Roberts
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Kathy Jensen | ... |
Lady at Carwash
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James Devney | ... |
Deputy #1
(as Jim Devney)
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
An intensely sad film about two brothers who cannot overcome their opposite perceptions of life. One brother sees and feels bad in everyone and everything, subsequently he is violent, antisocial and unable to appreciate or enjoy the good things which his brother desperately tries to point out to him. Frank understands the atrocities of life as a big picture; Joe does not. Joe is content to enjoy smaller pleasures: children, family, routine. Joe mistakenly believes he can straighten his little brother out and convince him that life is good. Frank is a cursed man. He is cut between his love for his brother and his repulsion at self-indulgent contentment. The result is a painful story of heartbreak, heartache, disappointment, despair, and the tragic side of love. Written by wedgwood
Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for violence, language, and some drug use | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
20 September 1991 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Indian Runner See more »Box Office
Budget:
$7,000,000 (estimated)Gross:
$191,125 (USA)Company Credits
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company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby SRColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Written by Eric Haller
Performed by Eric Haller, Bret Haller and Craig Levitz
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Did You Know?
Goofs
After the chase scene near the end of the film between Joe in the police car and Frank in the Buick, Joe turns off the red police lights, then the car's headlamps and steps out of the car and stands next to it. In the final scene we see Joe still standing next to the police car but the car's headlamps have mysteriously come on again. See more »Quotes
Maria: [to Raffael, holding up a joint she's smoking] Don't ever smoke this stuff in front of the law. You smoke this stuff in front of the law, the law gets upset.See more »
Soundtracks
"COUCH"Written by Eric Haller
Performed by Eric Haller, Bret Haller and Craig Levitz
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Sean Penn's debut as a director and writer isn't perfect but shows a lot of promise (which was later capitalized with "The Pledge"). The film is a lethargically paced and there are moments when Penn should have been more subtle (especially at the beginning when Joe Roberts shows his distress by vomiting). Fortunately, those minor missteps are compensated for by Penn's writing. All the characters are multi-layered and sympathetic, if not always likable. Ultimately this is a very touching and honest film. Be warned, its also very sad in moments.
The acting all around is fantastic. Viggo Mortensen has become a major Hollywood player lately with his roles in the overrated "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, but he was at his finest here. Its a shame it took so long for the man to become a star. David Morse and Valeria Golino both turn in very likable performances and Patricia Arquette does good with an oddly under-written part. The biggest surprise is Charles Bronson, best known as an action star in the "Death Wish" films. Its good to be reassured that Bronson is able to act after all. "The Indian Runner" isn't perfect but is powerful and guaranteed to elicit tears from the audience. (7/10)