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Ironweed (1987)

Ironweed (1987)
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Based on the William Kennedy novel of the same name Ironweed is set in the waning years of the Depression. Jack Nicholson plays Francis Phelan, a washed-up ballplayer (a onetime infielder for the Washington Senators) who deserted his family back in the 1910s when he accidentally killed his infant son by dropping him. Since that time, Phelan has been a shabby barfly, living from drink to drink; he spends his days palling around with Rudy (Tom Waits), with whom he works a motley series of jobs in exchange for a place to lay his head and an occasional jug of wine. Wandering into his hometown of Albany, New York, Phelan blearily seeks out his girlfriend and erstwhile drinking companion of nine years, Helen Archer (Meryl Streep), who has begun prostituting herself for drink and lodging. The two derelicts touch base in a mission managed by minister James Gammon, and later in Fred Gwynne's squalid gin mill. Over the next few days, Phelan takes a few minor jobs to support his habit, while his mind wavers between past and present. Eventually, a chance for a reconciliation with his wife (Carroll Baker) emerges. Directed by Hector Babenco following his enormous success with Kiss of the Spider Woman , Ironweed netted Oscar nominations for Nicholson and Streep. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, (more)
Director(s):
Hector Babenco
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Ironweed

Based on the William Kennedy novel of the same name Ironweed is set in the waning years of the Depression. Jack Nicholson plays Francis Phelan, a washed-up ballplayer (a onetime infielder for the Washington Senators) who deserted his family back in the 1910s when he accidentally killed his infant son by dropping him. Since that time, Phelan has been a shabby barfly, living from drink to drink; he spends his days palling around with Rudy (Tom Waits), with whom he works a motley series of jobs in exchange for a place to lay his head and an occasional jug of wine. Wandering into his hometown of Albany, New York, Phelan blearily seeks out his girlfriend and erstwhile drinking companion of nine years, Helen Archer (Meryl Streep), who has begun prostituting herself for drink and lodging. The two derelicts touch base in a mission managed by minister James Gammon, and later in Fred Gwynne's squalid gin mill. Over the next few days, Phelan takes a few minor jobs to support his habit, while his mind wavers between past and present. Eventually, a chance for a reconciliation with his wife (Carroll Baker) emerges. Directed by Hector Babenco following his enormous success with Kiss of the Spider Woman , Ironweed netted Oscar nominations for Nicholson and Streep. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
143 mins

Complete Cast of Ironweed


Director(s):
Hector Babenco
Writer(s):
Tom Benedek, William Kennedy
Producer(s):
Marcia Nasatir, Joseph H. Kanter, Rob Cohen
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children, Brief Nudity, Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Nudity, Substance Abuse)
Categories:
Drama
Ironweed Awards:
  • 1986 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 1987 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (31)
     
    THOMAS S S.

    A tender and sentimental although gritty treatment of lives gone wrong through alcoholism. The film ends with hope and promise rather than despair.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Julie R.

    Outstanding acting. Sad story.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Glorianne M.

    Ironweed is one of the sorrowful films I have ever seen. It is uncompromising in its bleakness. Set in Albany, New York during the Great Depression and featuring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep as down on their luck, alcoholic lovers. Tragedy drove Francis Phelan (Nicholson) to leave his family. Ghosts visible only to him haunt him constantly. Francis' ailing lover, Helen Maria Archer, is a woman who has come down the social ladder due to the betrayl of her brother and her self destructive tendencies. This has to be among Jack Nicholson's best performances. Meryl Streep is excellent as usual. Carroll Baker is moving as Nicholson's loyal wife who quietly longs for her husband to return home. The performances are exquisite. The film is suffused in grief and loss, reflected by the characters' sense of fatalism and regret. This is anything but a feel good film, but it will haunt the audience long after viewing. Glorianne M.

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