The Indian Runner

Starring:David Morse, Viggo Mortensen, Valeria Golino, Patricia Arquette, Charles Bronson, Sandy Dennis, Dennis Hopper, Jordan Rhodes, Enzo Rossi, Harry Crews, Eileen Ryan, Trevor Endicott, Brandon Fleck, Kathy Jensen, James Devney, Dr. Leland J. Olson, Annie Pearson, Thomas Blair Levin, V. Stacy Klein, Benicio Del Toro
Director: Sean Penn
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Sean Penn announced his retirement from acting, then wrote and directed this emotionally raw, somewhat sprawling film, suggested by Bruce Springsteen's song "Highway Patrolman." David Morse is the title character, an upstanding citizen and peace officer who tries to help his troubled--and troublesome--brother (Viggo Mortensen), recently returned from Vietnam. The brother and his girlfriend (Patricia Arquette) have bad news written all over them--but Morse does what he can to be protector, to no avail. Penn, whose model was John Cassavetes, favors long scenes that draw intense emotions from his cast, which includes Charles Bronson (in an unusually low-key role), Sandy Dennis, and Valeria Golino. But it's as depressing as Springsteen's song. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

sad story/great acting.......2007-01-04

Everyone in this film from Charles bronson to Dennis Hopper turned in a stellar performance . Be prepared for a very dark story however.Viggo Mortensen and David Morse play brothers who took different paths in life and we watch as one is unable to save the other from himself & his demons.Viet Nam is an integral part of Mortensen's disintegration and it ain't pretty.It is very moving however.David Morse, a fine actor, has never been better.There is a full frontal nude shot of Viggo but there's nothing sexy about it.Sean Penn has given us a film that's a lot like him.Intense,deep,brilliant and unsettling.Perhaps it's "a message".

The train wreck you can't look away from.......2006-12-22

This fine movie probably didn't get as much attention as it merited because of its bleakness and because it represented Penn's earliest work as a director. It is much like watching the proverbial train wreck: devastating but irresistable. It is well worth enduring the pain for at least one viewing, which will leave a lasting impression. It can be a bit slow in places but is well-written, superbly acted, and beautifully photographed. Mortensen is fantastic - repulsive and heart-breaking as the hopelessly destructive younger brother. David Morse gives a beautiful performance of the anguished older brother, who has to determine at what point he stops trying to save his sibling from himself. The rest of the cast is equally fine, especially a young Patricia Arquette as Mortensen's love. This film is not only about the struggle between the two brothers, but about the mysterious inexorability of character. In the best tradition of good film-making, the former theme stands on its own and merely suggests the latter. Sad but memorable and kudos to Penn and his cast for making this film - it was obviously a labor of love.

Shades Of: A History Of Violence.......2006-05-22

I see shades of Viggo's recent movie: A History Of Violence in this movie Sean Penn wrote and directed. This compelling film brought out emotional, heart wrenching scenes that cause the same emotion in the viewer. We see the 'good brother' Joey (David Morse)--a peace officer, trying to help his deeply troubled, Vietnam vet brother Frank (Viggo Mortensen).
On a personal note: Valeria Golino did a wonderful job in this movie as Joey's amazing, perfect wife.

True to most of Viggo's movies in his pre-Aragorn days, here he is as a self-absorbed, heartless sleaze ball who cares basically for no one but himself. Whether it was the war or his feelings that life itself has played him a cruel hand, Frank cannot come to grips with the impulses and the rage in him. The murder scene and the bar scene both bring to memory: A History Of Violence. In this movie as well, he is more of a victim who victimizes everyone around him. One can almost feel his pain as he weeps over his father's death and later says 'sorry' to his brother for every heartache he has caused in the past. Still, later, one learns to hate him.

I see Joey as this naýve man who cannot see the warning signs in those hurting around him, like his father (Charles Bronson) who tries reaching out to Joey and then admits defeat and ends it. Nor can he succeed in helping Frank see the good side of life and all that it has to offer. Frank's poor wife Dorothy (Patricia Arquette) though, took the worst of Frank's sick behavior during his rages and ultimate abandonment of her. It seems that no one can get through to Frank who sees how life has been good to Joey--as he remarks how 'you got a kiss in and a- -, and I got prison.' Well, Frank, what did you expect? Bad boys get prison. Still, in the end it's the good brother who makes the ultimate sacrifice in this intense, gripping film.
(Beware of nuttity and nudity)

Vig, a message to you. You look HOT as a construction worker. Just one question though, is this movie the one where you bonded with your old pal Dennis Hopper? Just wondering! I am looking forward to more of your films.

Not very Entertaining.......2006-05-09

this movie was totally boring. I think Sean Penn should stick with acting or Direct a movie worth seeing. Viggo mortesen did a very well job on his role as frankie but thats it, the movie was totally boring.

If you liked this movie check out the soundtrack.

Good acting, but glad I don't own it.......2006-01-31

Good acting does hold your interest, but as someone said: "muddled."
Saw it on TV - have now erased it.

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Sean Penn, who has been called the greatest actor of his generation, is on to talk about his work as a director. His first directorial effort was The Indian Runner. Tonight, he talks to Charlie about a new project, The Crossing Guard, which stars Anjelica Houston and Jack Nicholson. Then, host of NBC's Late Night, Conan O'Brien. He talks to Charlie about finding his comedic voice and how he feels about his job two and a half years in.

Average customer rating:

sad story/great acting
The train wreck you can't look away from
Shades Of: A History Of Violence
Not very Entertaining
Good acting, but glad I don't own it

The Indian Runner [Region 2]
Starring: David Morse , Viggo Mortensen , Valeria Golino , Patricia Arquette , and Charles Bronson
Director: Sean Penn
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video