Ironweed (1987)
Carroll Baker, Diane Venora, Fred Gwynne, Jack Nicholson, Jake Dengel ... (see more) , Margaret Whitton , Meryl Streep , Michael O'Keefe , Nathan Lane , Tom Waits
A schizophrenic drifter spends Halloween in his home town after returning there for the first time in decades.
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R, 143 min.
Directed by:
Hector Babenco
Release Date: Dec 18, 1987
DVD Release Date: Feb 24, 2009
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A movie that got Meryl Streep just one of her (so far) 15 Oscar nominations. Streep plays opposite Jack Nicholson in Hector Babenco's schmaltzy but no less interesting feature. Look out for nice supporting roles from Fred Gwynne and Tom Waits.
Longdryge tragedie med godt skuespel av Nicholson. Streep, derimot, irritere vettet av meg gjennom heile filmen.
An utterly heartbreaking film about the people on the very fringe of society in the 1930s. It features one of the best performances Jack Nicholson has ever given. It allows him to have the crazy angry moments he is known for as well as the more subdu... (read more) An utterly heartbreaking film about the people on the very fringe of society in the 1930s. It features one of the best performances Jack Nicholson has ever given. It allows him to have the crazy angry moments he is known for as well as the more subdued that he is also very good at. Meryl Streep is her usual fantastic self here and she makes you cry with just a facial expression. Outside of their performances its a powerful exploration of the fact that "bums" are not just bums. They have stories and lives that are just as important as everyone else. As Nicholson's character says, "Before they were bums they were somebody."
'What if I did drink too much wine? Whose business is that anyway? Who knows how much I didn't drink, huh?'
Not the best for Nicholson, Streep, or Babenco, but a nice slow slog through guilt and despair set in 1938 NY.
This film displays the amazing acting that you would expect from a film starring Nicholson and Streep; however, a number of loose ends left untied and a plot that just didn't deliver as strong of a story as expect left me with a sour taste. The port... (read more) This film displays the amazing acting that you would expect from a film starring Nicholson and Streep; however, a number of loose ends left untied and a plot that just didn't deliver as strong of a story as expect left me with a sour taste. The portrayal of the homeless is something not often seen in movies and was extremely well done, but I can't help feeling that there wasn't a great story to support the acting.
A fine and realistic Depression-era film with solid performances by Streep and Nicholson.
Slow and crushing, a heavy film that has a simple plot, a despairing tone and none of the ostentatious "acting" often evinced in Nicholson's later career.
One of those good 'happened somewhere' 'story of people' movies. Nothing to complain.
Probably one level under Schindler's List for being incredibly depressing. Incredible performances by Nicholson and Streep, but what did you expect from the two greatest thespians of all time acting together? Now I'm sad to say I've seen every single... (read more) Probably one level under Schindler's List for being incredibly depressing. Incredible performances by Nicholson and Streep, but what did you expect from the two greatest thespians of all time acting together? Now I'm sad to say I've seen every single oscar nominated performance by Nicholson. I'm really glad they made everyones teeth yellow. I always hate when the actors have nice white teeth when they play people who would never have toothbrushes
The story isn't the most ambitious one, but "Ironweed" rises pretty high with strong performances, clear directing and a very interesting premise. A solid, accomplished drama.
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