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Films

Screening of At Close Range (1986)


Date & time
Sunday, May 24, 2015
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost

$8, $6 for students and seniors. Tickets available at the door only, in cash.

Contact

Philippe Spurrell
514-738-3456

Where

McConnell Library Building
1400 De Maisonneuve W.
De Seve Cinema

Wheel chair accessible

Yes

At Close Range by James Foley
(1986, U.S., 111 min.)

Based upon the true story of Bruce Johnston Sr., his son, and his brothers; together, they constituted one of Pennsylvania’s most notorious crime families during the 1970's. Their criminal activities ranged from burglary, fraud... and ultimately, murder.

Although visually rich and beautifully constructed, this movie is really all about the amazing on-screen performances. Christopher Walken was able to make his father role charismatic while still giving off the sinister undercurrent of a cold-blooded, white trash sociopath. With Walken’s now famous mannerisms, he plays an unpredictable character that would tell you a joke and while the both of you are laughing, blow your brains out. Sean Penn plays his son, Brad jr., with a believable redneck stubbornness and cocky swagger.

It is a standout performance, especially in the final moments of the film, and gives a glimpse of the talent we would see from him in his later works. Everything comes off as genuine – from his first meeting with farm girl Terry in the town square to his relationships with his friends and family. Brad Jr. is not necessarily a likable guy, but because of his surroundings and circumstances, it is easy to sympathise with his plight. He is also not the brightest kid, and with his new found goals of a better life with the girl he loves, you can almost forgive him for the selfish ways he goes about achieving them. While the few scenes between him and his girlfriend are important and successfully portray a boy and girl smitten, the central story is the blood relationship between a son and his father who he initially idolizes before loathing intensely. This gradual love-hate transformation is fascinating to watch and makes for a powerful film you won’t soon forget.

An added treat is seeing other iconic actors in smaller roles including Kiefer Sutherland, Sean's brother Chris Penn, Tracy Walter and the quietly manic Crispin Glover. Fortunately, you get to enjoy it the way audiences first did back in 1986; with a genuine 35mm cinemascope color-perfect print on the big screen.

Coffee, tea and home-baked desserts offered at intermission.

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