Light of Day (1987)

A brother and sister must choose whether to pursue their dream of touring with their band or support their family and stay in Cleveland, Ohio.

Director:

Paul Schrader

Writer:

Paul Schrader

Stars:

Michael J. Fox, Gena Rowlands, Joan Jett

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael J. Fox	...	Joe Rasnick
Gena Rowlands	...	Jeanette Rasnick
Joan Jett	...	Patti Rasnick
Michael McKean	...	Bu Montgomery
Thomas G. Waites	...	Smittie
Cherry Jones	...	Cindy Montgomery
Michael Dolan	...	Gene Bodine
Paul J. Harkins	...	Billy Tettore
Billy L. Sullivan	...	Benji Rasnick (as Billy Sullivan)
Jason Miller	...	Benjamin Rasnick
Tom Irwin	...	Reverend Ansley
Jerry Gideon	...	Sean
Cherise Vonae Haugen	...	Crystal
Michael Rooker	...	Oogie
Yvette Heyden	...	Laurie

Storyline

The siblings Patty and Joe Rasnick live in an industrial suburb in Cleveland, Ohio. While Patty is focused on their rock band, The Barbusters, Joe also cares for the family and the upbringing of Patty's young son, Benji. Their pious mother reproaches them for their way of life, especially when they quit their jobs and go on tour, taking Benji with them. However, when their mother is dying of terminal cancer, they return home and resolve their problems with her.

---

Plot Keywords:

rock band | family relationships | brother sister relationship | rock 'n' roll | musician | 

---

Taglines:

When your family is closing you in, music may be the only way out.

---

Genres:

Drama | Music

---

Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 February 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Born in the U.S.A.

Filming Locations:

Crestwood, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$10,489,617

Company Credits

Production Co:

TAFT Entertainment Pictures,Keith Barish Productions,Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Astrocolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original title of the script was "Born in the U.S.A." Paul Schrader asked Bruce Springsteen to write a title song for the movie. After Springsteen wrote it, he liked the song so much, he used for his multi-platinum album of the same name instead. As a replacement, Springsteen later wrote the song "Light of Day". That is why Springsteen thanks Schrader in the liner notes of the album.

---

Quotes

Patti Rasnick: Well well well. They finally got to you. Welcome to the line up. Mom, reverend Ansley. The whole gang, telling Patti what she can do.
Joe Rasnick: What about Benji?
Patti Rasnick: Already packed.
Joe Rasnick: Go. Go with my blessing.
Patti Rasnick: I will.
Joe Rasnick: Go, go blow out the fucking walls! But you're not taking Benji on the road, not with that metal band.
Patti Rasnick: He's my son, remember?
Joe Rasnick: He's staying here.
Patti Rasnick: With you? With mom?
Joe Rasnick: If necessary.
[...]

---

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Black Widow/From the Hip/Light of Day/Dead of Winter (1987)

---

Soundtracks

Rescue Me
Written by Raynard Miner and Carl Smith
Published by Chevis Publishing Corp. - BMI
Performed by The Motion

User Reviews

Excellent thoughtful movie

This memorable movie was written and directed by Paul Schrader, who had already written several legendary Scorsese movies , and written and directed the excellent, underrated Blue Collar. It explores conflict in a working class family, focusing on an angry, defiant young single mother (played by a strikingly assured Joan Jett)and her well intentioned brother (a tormented Michael J Fox), who have a rock and roll band together, and their manipulative mother (Gena Rowlands -- need one say more?). Like many Paul Schrader films, it is about people fumbling toward their true selves, truth and meaning in a world of pain and guilt. The heartfelt Springsteen title song is no accident. The movie contains three superb leading performances and is a moving, involving and spiritual film.