Grand Canyon (1991)

The fates of several people are intertwining randomly. Their sympathy of each other faces multiple differences in their lifestyles.

Director:

Lawrence Kasdan

Writers:

Lawrence Kasdan, Meg Kasdan

Stars:

Danny Glover, Kevin Kline, Steve Martin

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Danny Glover	...	Simon
Kevin Kline	...	Mack
Steve Martin	...	Davis
Mary McDonnell	...	Claire
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Dee
Alfre Woodard	...	Jane
Jeremy Sisto	...	Roberto
Tina Lifford	...	Deborah
Patrick Malone	...	Otis
Randle Mell	...	The Alley Baron
Sarah Trigger	...	Vanessa
Destinee DeWalt	...	Kelley
Candace Mead	...	Claire's Baby
Lauren Mead	...	Claire's Baby (as Loren Mead)
Shaun Baker	...	Rocstar

Storyline

Grand Canyon revolved around six residents from different backgrounds whose lives intertwine in modern-day Los Angeles. At the center of the film is the unlikely friendship of two men from different races and classes brought together when one finds himself in jeopardy in the other's rough neighborhood.

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Plot Keywords:

dream | change of heart | wheelchair | african american | uncle nephew relationship | 

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Taglines:

From the director of "The Big Chill." A story of friendship and other natural wonders.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

El corazón de la ciudad

Filming Locations:

The Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$67,546, 27 December 1991, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$33,243,020

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

134 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The cast includes one Oscar winner: Kevin Kline and three Oscar nominees: Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard, and Lawrence Kasdan.

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Goofs

Around the 42 minute mark, after Claire shows Mack the baby she's found, they walk into the adjoining bathroom. As Mack sits down to tell Claire they must call the police, a boom mike briefly bounces in and out of the shot.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Davis: You know what your problem is? You're always talking about X. But you're thinking about Y. You gotta learn to talk about Y. Forget about X. X is gonna take care of itself.
Mack: What are you talking about?
Davis: I'm just asking you to hear yourself. Listen to what you're really saying and under what you really saying: control, control, control. When are you gonna realise nothing can be controlled? We live in chaos. It's the central issue in everyone's life. Mack, look around you. Everyone in ...

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Connections

Featured in The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing (2004)

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Soundtracks

Quiet on the Set
Written by M.C. Ren and Dr. Dre
Performed by NWA (as N.W.A.)
Courtesy of Priority Records

User Reviews

One of the most interesting American Directors

I rarely review anything on the internet, but want to comment on this film. I think Grand Canyon is entirely under-rated, and is in fact one of the greatest American contemporary films. I have seen it many times, and am amazed at Kasden's directorial and writing skills. I think most reviewers don't understand it! I see very glib reviews about this film but seldom indepth comment.I believe this film is about synchronicity, life-purpose/meaning and the feeling of powerlessness and isolation of people in a fast-moving culture where youth passes rapidly,transition is constant, and big-brother is watching. Outstanding acting from all actors, indepth characterizations and real-life dilemnas. I love the way "Simon" who appears to be the "doubting Thomas" and only believes in "fate" without purpose begins to understand human interconnection towards the end of the film. Though I don't necessarily agree that "the problems of a few little people don't matter a hill of beans" in relation to the majesty of the Grand Canyon, I see Kasden's point that perspective on our lives is important!

I don't know much about Kasden but have tried to learn more. He seems to manage to insert his spiritual message in an entirely entertaining way in recent films: witness "French Kiss" and Mumford"...both of which deal cleverly with loss and reinventing ourselves. I suspect he wrote many of the Jedi and Yoda parts of the original Star Wars films --the Jedi philosophy seems consistent with his own. I am a student of Conscious Creation concepts and love films so am always happy to see how Mr. Kasden weaves his message into his latest films.

Thank you, Mr. Kasden and please keep creating!