The Sunchaser (1996)

Michael Reynolds is a rich oncologist who has a one hundred seventy-five thousand dollar sports car, a multi-million dollar house, and a new boost in his career. Brandon "Blue" Monroe is a ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Cimino

Writer:

Charles Leavitt

Stars:

Woody Harrelson, Jon Seda, Anne Bancroft

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Woody Harrelson	...	Dr. Michael Reynolds
Jon Seda	...	Brandon 'Blue' Monroe
Anne Bancroft	...	Dr. Renata Baumbauer
Alexandra Tydings	...	Victoria Reynolds
Matt Mulhern	...	Dr. Chip Byrnes
Talisa Soto	...	Navajo Woman
Richard Bauer	...	Dr. Bradford
Victor Aaron	...	Webster Skyhorse
Lawrence Pressman	...	Agent in Charge Collier
Michael O'Neill	...	Agent Moreland
Harry Carey Jr.	...	Cashier
Carmen Dell'Orefice	...	Arabella
Brooke Ashley	...	Calantha Reynolds
Andrea Roth	...	Head Nurse
Bob Minor	...	Deputy Lynch

Storyline

Michael Reynolds is a rich oncologist who has a one hundred seventy-five thousand dollar sports car, a multi-million dollar house, and a new boost in his career. Brandon "Blue" Monroe is a dying patient who kidnaps Reynolds. They are going to a legendary Navajo healing place while a manhunt closes in. Soon the men get closer in understanding, and to the place that may save them both.

---

Plot Keywords:

cancer | on the road | man wearing glasses | native american | helicopter | 

---

Taglines:

It began as a kidnapping. It became a journey of hope.

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Navajo

Release Date:

25 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sunchaser

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$23,107

Company Credits

Production Co:

Appledown Films Inc., Joseph S. Vecchio Entertainment, Monarchy Enterprises B.V.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is Michael Cimino's biggest box-office flop. The film grossed less than thirty thousand dollars domestically on a thirty-one million dollar budget.

---

Goofs

The bullet hole in the windshield of the car is clearly visible a few seconds before the bullet is fired.

---

Quotes

[last lines]
Brandon 'Blue' Monroe: May beauty be before me. May beauty be behind me. May beauty be above me. May beauty be below me. May beauty be all around me.

---

Crazy Credits

For Hal

---

Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

---

Soundtracks

Blue Rain
Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson
Performed by Roy Orbison
Courtesy of Orbison Records/Mercury Nashville Records

User Reviews

Road Trip From The Brutal Hood To The Mythic Mountain

I just caught this on my TV. It is a slice of classic road trip perfection. Woody Harrleson and Anne Bancroft add weight as big names and the script and classy camera work does the rest. the script is top shelf realism with grit and it doesn;t shy away from ripping out the brutality and venom of urban society. The young man playing 'blue' the 17 year old put away for killing his father is professional and it's a shame I haven't seen him in further films, maybe someone should offer him some work. The road trip element is great and the freeways and highways are breath taking in beauty and well used for cinematography and as a tool to push along the dialogue throughout. The urban-dust plains contrast is well thought out and the story darts form one tense setting to another. The biggest surprise with this excellent 'gem that got away' is the humour in the most unbelieve-able circumstances. I personally loved the banter between Harrleson's doc and the young guy's tough insider. Casting is credible and the addition of a heart warming, touching and spiritual story line adds visual and though-provoking undertones. The magic side story increases interest and plays with the audiences take on if this roomer is truth or a legend. The under dog 'on-the-run' plot is gripping and apart from the use of the f word and graphic scenes of shootings this could have been a successful family film. I wonder if this movie gained any awards or acclaim as it definitely deserves some (if there is any justice). This is a buried treasure in the dust of forgotten film. Nice work by all creates a thought-provoking drama with some excellent landscapes of rock formations and dusty plains. Catch it if you get a chance.