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American Heart (1992)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
7 May 1993 (USA) moreTagline:
Jack's only hope was a dream... Nick's only hope was jack. morePlot:
Jack is now out of jail and he meets Nick, his adolescent son. Their relationship will be complicated, because Jack has a problem with alcohol. But his love for Nick will help him to get over the past and reach his dreams. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
1 win & 4 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(7 articles)
Did you know that February is... (From FilmExperience. 24 February 2009, 8:50 PM, PST)
Samantha Harris Hosts Red Dress Awards
(From The Insider. 12 February 2009, 12:00 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Great Unknown Film moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| John Boylan | ... | Janitor | |
| Jeff Bridges | ... | Jack Kelson | |
| Edward Furlong | ... | Nick Kelson | |
| Greg Sevigny | ... | Young Jack | |
| Jayne Entwistle | ... | Monique | |
| Willie Williams | ... | The Gospel Fireballs | |
| Roosevelt Franklin | ... | The Gospel Fireballs | |
| Melvyn Hayward | ... | Normandy | |
| Don Harvey | ... | Rainey | |
| Kit McDonough | ... | Landlady | |
| Wren Walker | ... | Lisa | |
| Cristine McMurdo-Wallis | ... | School Administrator | |
| Lucinda Jenney | ... | Charlotte | |
| Charlotte London | ... | Flo | |
| Loyd Catlett | ... | Vernon the Bartender |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
113 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyCertification:
Finland:K-16 | USA:TV-MA (cable rating) | Iceland:L | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:RFilming Locations:
Seattle, Washington, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
The story is based on the relationship between a young runaway in the 1980s named Dewayne and his father who was incarcerated for robbery and attempted arson. They can both be seen in the 1984 documentary, Streetwise, which focuses on several of Seattle's runaway youth in the 1980s. Dewayne committed suicide at the age of 14. The story was later developed by Peter Silverman. Martin Bell, Mary Ellen Mark. Then, Silverman and Bell wrote the screenplay. moreSoundtrack:
I'll Never Let Go Of Your Hand moreFAQ
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I first heard about this movie when it was filming in Seattle, my home. Being a fan of Jeff Bridges, I had to see it when it was released. I now own it on video, and it is one of my favorites.
The Seattle locations are used well, but the basic story could happen anywhere. Ex-con Bridges tries to build a life for himself and his estranged son after his release from prison. There are subplots dealing with a pen-pal romance and Jack's ex-partner, but the focus is on the father-son relationship. What makes the film fascinating is the texture and depth of Bridges' performance. Jack is not too smart, a drunk, and flat broke. He is thrown into a harsh, uncompromising world at the very bottom rung, and somehow must find a way to survive AND stay straight. As he gradually takes responsibility for his son, Nick, he regains his self-esteem and humanity. Bridges shows us all this with humor, honesty, and zero sentimentality. He never shies away from exposing Jack's flaws, but also imbues him with a raw sort of nobility. Flashback sequences drawing a parallel between young Jack and Nick add a layer of poignancy.
There is level of verisimilitude and frankness in "American Heart" that contemporary, mainstream American movies rarely exhibit. In form it greatly resembles Dustin Hoffman's remarkable "Straight Time", but this film is about relationships, not crime. If all you want from a movie is escapism, stay away. Those who like to wander near the Edge will be rewarded.
"you keep me straight, I'll keep you straight"