Review of Ironweed (1987) by Mandela W — 17 Feb 2017

There are a huge array of Hollywood legends who have co starred in movies together. Some of these include Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in Philadelphia, Al pacino and Robert De Niro in Heat, Slyvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzengerr in the Expendables series, Paul Newman and Robert Redford in butch Cassidy in the sundance kid. In 1987 another one was added to the list Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson in Ironweed. A clearcut showcase of two of the best actors to ever do it and they nail both of these dramatic roles.

Jack plays Francis a bum with a tragic past who returns to his hometown in upstate, Ny in the 1938. As he walks through his old stomping grounds he is plagued with flashbacks and unpleasant memories of people in his life including his young son whom he accidently killed. Francis also meets his former lover Helen whom he remisnces with in the streets and at a bar. The movie looks at what happens to him and her in a series of life altering days.

This is a mostly character driven story, well two characters to be exact but still a great feature. trmemendous screenplay. At the heart it's a story about two people that need each other no matter what. It's a beautifully written friendship.

Jack Nicholson and meryl streep both disappear greatly into these roles. They're constant banter was fantastic to watch. In general seeing these two legends of the game act off each other in scenes is fantastic.

I've never seen Jack play such an emotional character who is haunted by his past. jack's brings a sense of nostalgia to the character that is very relatable and human for anyone who hasn't been in their old neighborhood in a long time. Streep in an breathtaking fashion brings to life this incredible bum character. She very much embodies this woman with her mannerisms, bum teeth and rugged appearance. Streeps makes her truely someone we can enjoy on screen. Her singing of he's me pal was marvelous and the films major standout scene.

The film had an awesome production design. Makes you really feel immersed in an authentic 1930's upstate Ny town. good lighting and decent cinematography.