River's Edge (1986)

A high school slacker commits a shocking act and proceeds to let his friends in on the secret. However, the friends' reaction is almost as ambiguous and perplexing as the crime itself.

Director:

Tim Hunter

Writer:

Neal Jimenez

Stars:

Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye

4 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Crispin Glover	...	Layne
Keanu Reeves	...	Matt
Ione Skye	...	Clarissa (as Ione Skye Leitch)
Daniel Roebuck	...	Samson
Dennis Hopper	...	Feck
Joshua John Miller	...	Tim (as Joshua Miller)
Roxana Zal	...	Maggie
Josh Richman	...	Tony
Phillip Brock	...	Mike
Tom Bower	...	Bennett
Constance Forslund	...	Madeleine
Leo Rossi	...	Jim
Jim Metzler	...	Mr. Burkewaite
Tammy Smith	...	Kim
Danyi Deats	...	Jamie

Storyline

A group of high school friends must come to terms with the fact that one of them, Samson, killed another, Jamie. Reactions vary, as Layne is intent on protecting Samson and smuggling him out of the state, while others think it's best to go to the police. Matt's tough little brother also finds out about the body and no one knows quite how the police will learn about the murder or who will be blamed for it.

---

Plot Keywords:

drug | guitarist | riverbank | drug abuse | car | 

---

Taglines:

The most controversial film you will see this year.

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Neal Jimenez read the story in the newspaper while visiting friends, wrote a script, and turned it in to his instructor, while he was an English major at Santa Clara University. Jimenez said "that the incident is merely the inspiration for the screenplay".

---

Goofs

When Layne makes the phone call to Feck from the phone booth (right as the police burst in on Feck), the reflection of a crewmember in a light colored shirt can be seen moving in the glass of the phone booth.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Checker: [points at legal age sign]
Samson: That's a real nice sign, how much.
Checker: I have to see ID.
Samson: I left it at home. How much?
Checker: I'm not going to sell you this unless you show me ID.

---

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Dennis Hopper Performances (2014)

---

Soundtracks

Die by the Sword
Written by Jeff Hanneman
Performed by Slayer
Courtesy of Metal Blade Records

User Reviews

Disturbing Creepy 80's apathy!

This film is one of the best of 1986 with creepy, yet intriguing performances from Crispin Glover and Dennis Hopper! The Reagan years were pretty bleak for a lot of people, not just teenagers, but this flick really captured the desperation and despair. Well-directed with great script (apparently based on a true story), I don't really see any weaknesses in this. The opening shot was brilliant.

Keanu Reeves was decent for a change and Miss Skye was right on the money. Hopper had three other great performances that same year (Blue Velvet, Texas Chainsaw II, and Hoosiers). I imagine this has a cult following and I wonder how this picture would fare if it was re-released. Super stuff!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

River's Edge

Filming Locations:

8301 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,900,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$67,794, 10 May 1987

Gross USA:

$4,600,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,600,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale, Sanford/Pillsbury Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Metrocolor) Black and White (opening sequence)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1