Normal Life (1996)

Chris is young idealistic cop who falls in love and gets married to Pam, a beautiful but emotionally unstable woman who suffers from alcoholism and drug addiction. While Chris is trying ... See full summary »

Director:

John McNaughton

Writers:

Peg Haller, Bob Schneider

Stars:

Ashley Judd, Luke Perry, Bruce A. Young

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ashley Judd	...	Pam Anderson
Luke Perry	...	Chris Anderson
Bruce A. Young	...	Agent Parker (as Bruce Young)
Jim True-Frost	...	Mike Anderson
Edmund Wyson	...	Darren
Michael Skewes	...	Officer Swift
Scott Cummins	...	Hank Chilton
Kevin Mukherji	...	Homeowner
Kate Walsh	...	Cindy Anderson
Tom Towles	...	Frank Anderson
Penelope Milford	...	Adele Anderson
Brian McCann	...	Justice of the Peace
Dawn Maxey	...	Eva
Kevin Hurley	...	Norman
Brian Blondell	...	Toy store clerk

Storyline

Chris is young idealistic cop who falls in love and gets married to Pam, a beautiful but emotionally unstable woman who suffers from alcoholism and drug addiction. While Chris is trying hard to have a normal life and some money, Pam is big spender and their marriage is constantly troublesome with the financial situation getting worse and worse. The biggest blow comes after Chris loses his job. In the desperate situation Chris decides to use his police skills to rob banks.

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Plot Keywords:

police | police officer | bank robber | genocide | suicide | 

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Taglines:

They found the American Dream ... One bullet at a time!

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for scenes of violence, sexuality, drug use and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amerikai rémálom

Filming Locations:

Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fine Line Features, New Line Cinema, Normal Life Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (Astrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The bar where Chris and Pam first meet is the Bartlett Tap, and is located in downtown Bartlett. It's a tavern that has been there since the 1800's.

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Goofs

Pam Anderson said her telescope was a Newtonian reflector; however, it was a long focal length 60mm refractor.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Chris Anderson: Lock and load. You ready?
[Pam nods]
Chris Anderson: Time to go.

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Connections

Features Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

User Reviews

Interesting look at two lower class minds

"Normal Life" was barely given a theatrical release by its studio, Fine Line. That's a shame, because there is a lot that is worthy in this movie. John McNaughton was a good choice to direct this movie, because in "Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer", he showed he had a talent for showing those in lower class positions with low self esteem - just like the two main characters in this movie. These characters have high ambitions and try to do better (at least initially), but they are shot down by themselves and their surrounding society. They want, but don't get, respect. The movie is focused on their insides, not much on what surrounds them like their jobs. They are drawn together because they are two lost souls - they at least have that to share. The two actors are excellent in their roles (Luke Perry sheds his pretty-boy image completely here.) The movie is not perfect - there are a few details that are not explained (like what exactly is used to justify Perry's character's firing from his job.) Also, the movie is a bit too long, more noticeably in the first half of the movie - cutting fifteen or so minutes from the movie would have helped. But despite these faults, the movie is still well worth seeking out.