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:

In a city on the edge, six people are about to discover something extraordinary...each other.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lawrence Kasdan: Uncredited, as a director in the screening room, who tries to interest Davis in a film.

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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

References Sullivan's Travels (1941)

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Soundtracks

Only in America
Written by Gardner Cole
Performed by Gardner Cole
Produced by Gardner Cole

User Reviews

Kasdan's vision is expertly shown

Perhaps you won't care for the social commentary, or the film makers point of view (I myself am mystified at the ‘insignificance' angle Kasdan seemed to promote – when clearly, the actions taken in the movie promote CERTAIN significance. The ending confused me). However, there's absolutely no denying the manner in which the story is presented; the magnificent symbolism throughout; the threaded character arcs; visuals; dialogue – is absolute masterwork. I've watched the movie dozens of times, and I still marvel at its perfection. There's not a moment, action, cut, or line that doesn't have everything to do with the theme. Realistic human performances from all the actors. Scene to scene it's woven fantastically.

I have a pretty level sap-meter. The buzzer never went off during this film. If you're a thinker (rather than a casual viewer) – this movie delivers. Exponentially. Absolutely mesmerizing. (Do you have to agree with the message to appreciate the display? Who cares if it made you warm and fuzzy or not, was it interesting?)

Personally, the movie affected me – significantly. In my top 5.

Note: The front-page reviewer clearly speaks from a flawed African American perception. What he may have failed to recognize, is, there was a hand – shake. Not a hand - out. The ‘spiritually dead white man', simply saw a man to respect, and admire. And he did something about it. The fact he was black had little, if anything, to do with it (color is simply used to draw the parallel. And the chasm. It's no accident the opening sequence shifts from black and white to color either). If you view the blacks in this movie as ‘token' – you may want to reassess YOUR angst. You may be seeing only black and white yourself, eh. Just a thought.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

17 January 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Grand Canyon

Filming Locations:

The Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$67,546, 29 December 1991

Gross USA:

$33,243,020

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$40,991,329

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

134 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1