Review of Running on Empty (1991) by Matt A — 27 Sep 2007
One of the few great movies to come out of the '80s (and probably Lumet's last worthy film), this is a moving drama of a family on the run after '60s radicalism went awry.
The story (which has parallels in real-life cases) is one of the great American myths, asking, "To what extent are the ghosts of the '60s still with us? And how can we come to terms with them?" In addition, there are some fascinating and marvelously-acted family dynamics.
Hirsch, Lahti, and Plimpton give great performances, and Abry provides good comic relief, but this is River Phoenix's show. His combined acting and musical ability show why his early death was such a tragedy. Lynne Thigpen and Steven Hill (of "L&O") have supporting roles.
Naomi Foner's screenplay is one that should be studied in classes; it has a perfect structure and just the right amount of comic relief to balance out a tear-jerking storyline. (Forget her kids Jake and Maggie; *this* is the real genius of the Gyllenhaal family.) James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" is used PERFECTLY.
This review of Running on Empty (1991) was written by Matt A on 27 Sep 2007.
Running on Empty has generally received mixed reviews.
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