On J List of Movie Reviews
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Jacknife (1989)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
3/04, 6/25
6/25:
Robert De Niro brings his Vietnam War experience from
The Deer Hunter to Jacknife.
It's a small solid picture about two damaged veterans who are trying to pick themselves up and be part of
society. Obviously, they look different and thus removed, and yeah...it's true that "only one is really
alive." What I like is nothing sounds theatrical although it can easily happen given its origins as a play that
was adapted for the screen by Stephen Metcalfe.
Robert De Niro dominates the show from start to finish by giving a performance that encompasses a huge range.
While I've had a hard time recognizing Ed Harris, he doesn't have a meaty role, preferring to make it small,
but is effective whenever he shows up. Kathy Baker is an actress whom I'm not familiar with; she has done a
good job of keeping the drama real. Those who've been through it can 100% relate to their characters.
If there's a mistake made, it's the flashbacks not showing enough. Had the director expanded them to explain how
Megs couldn't be Davey's friend, as he kept saying, then I would immediately understand. Another is the movie
lost steam big time toward the end when Megs concluded that his job was done and left town for a brief time.
All in all, Jacknife is a good addition to films like
The Best Years of Our Lives,
Coming Home, and In Country.