Empire Falls (2005)

A decaying New England town is the backdrop for its unique citizens, lead by unassuming restaurant manager Miles Roby.

Director:

Fred Schepisi

Writers:

Richard Russo (novel), Richard Russo (teleplay)

Stars:

Ed Harris, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 20 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ed Harris	...	Miles Roby
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	Charlie Mayne
Helen Hunt	...	Janine Roby
Paul Newman	...	Max Roby
Robin Wright	...	Grace Roby (as Robin Wright Penn)
Aidan Quinn	...	David Roby
Joanne Woodward	...	Francine Whiting
Dennis Farina	...	Walt Comeau
William Fichtner	...	Jimmy Minty
Estelle Parsons	...	Bea
Theresa Russell	...	Charlene
Kate Burton	...	Cindy Whiting
Jeffrey DeMunn	...	Horace
Trevor Morgan	...	Zack Minty
Danielle Panabaker	...	Tick Roby

Storyline

A drama that swoops in on Empire Falls, an economically depressed mill town in Maine, and lifetime resident Miles Roby, who's run the town's top restaurant for some twenty years. Miles is surrounded by his newly thin wife, meddling father, and hostile boss.

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Plot Keywords:

restaurant | maine | new england | small town | death | 

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Taglines:

Every small town has a big story

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

HBO [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 May 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

A múlt fogságában

Filming Locations:

Augusta, Maine, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, Marc Platt Productions, Aspetuck Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

197 min 240 min (2 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The final on-screen acting project for Paul Newman.

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Goofs

During the wedding scene, Horace goes from having his left hand in his lap to holding a cup between shots.

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Quotes

John Voss: [holds a gun at Tick Roby] This is what I dream.

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Connections

Featured in 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2006)

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Soundtracks

"And I Love You So"
Written by Don McLean
Performed by Hidden Drive
Courtesy of

User Reviews

Empire Falls is a tale of small town people, struggling to find themselves and their sense of dignity.

Empire Falls is a remarkably intelligent piece of work, so very different from most mindless Hollywood films today. The smooth blend of comic and tragic with satiric overtones was brilliant. The easy transition from past to present reminds us all of the interdependence of child and parent, and the poignancy of different types of love. It reminded me of what films used to be capable of portraying in an era before mindless special effects took the place of human drama. The cast and crew should be commended for their artistic integrity in not succumbing to the current trend in the entertainment industry to cater to the lowest common denominator. I hope some Hollywood producers think about the fact that film can be thought-provoking, and not just a series of electronic jolts.

Empire Falls was a clear indication that there are still actors and actresses out there, and there are stories to be told without resorting to egregious remakes of old television series. If film is to be a viable part of culture, it needs to stimulate the mind of the viewer, and this film does that by creating complex characters who come to life on the screen. The issues of ambition and failure and love and hate pertain to us all, and the range of ages of the characters allowed for a wide identification. Empire Falls is a shining example of what the entertainment industry is capable of producing when it sets its mind on portraying the reality of the human condition with all of its weaknesses and strengths.