The Indian Runner (1991)
The crime drama film, The Indian Runner (1991), marks Sean Penn’s first venture into directing. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s Highway Patrolman, the movie portrays the complicated relationship between two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Taking place in 1960s Nebraska, it centers around small-town deputy sheriff Joe and his criminal brother, Frank Roberts. Prior to the events of the story, Joe attempted to make a living through farming but was forced to give it up when he couldn’t pay off his debts and lost his property to the bank. Turning to law enforcement as a means of supporting his family, Joe is a well-intentioned man but struggles with his own inner demons. The opening scene features a car chase that ends with Joe having to use his gun in self-defense and kill a man.
This experience leaves him grappling with conflicting feelings about taking someone’s life and facing both praise and criticism from those in his community. Frank, who had a history of trouble with the law before his deployment to Vietnam, is described by his father as constantly plagued by ‘restlessness’. Upon returning to town, he breaks into his brother’s home and narrowly avoids being shot by Joe’s wife. The following day, he leaves town without stopping by his parents’ house. As Joe recounts, Frank was right in assuming that their understanding parents would comprehend his actions towards those who care for him. Joe does not hear from his brother for some time until their father reveals that Frank has been imprisoned in another state. He kept this information to himself in order to spare their mother any distress.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  David MorseJoe Roberts  Viggo MortensenFrank Roberts  Valeria GolinoMaria  Patricia ArquetteDorothy  Charles BronsonMr. Roberts  Sandy DennisMrs. Roberts  Dennis HopperCaesar |
The crime drama film, The Indian Runner (1991), marks Sean Penn’s first venture into directing. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s Highway Patrolman, the movie portrays the complicated relationship between two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Taking place in 1960s Nebraska, it centers around small-town deputy sheriff Joe and his criminal brother, Frank Roberts. Prior to the events of the story, Joe attempted to make a living through farming but was forced to give it up when he couldn’t pay off his debts and lost his property to the bank. Turning to law enforcement as a means of supporting his family, Joe is a well-intentioned man but struggles with his own inner demons. The opening scene features a car chase that ends with Joe having to use his gun in self-defense and kill a man.
This experience leaves him grappling with conflicting feelings about taking someone’s life and facing both praise and criticism from those in his community. Frank, who had a history of trouble with the law before his deployment to Vietnam, is described by his father as constantly plagued by ‘restlessness’. Upon returning to town, he breaks into his brother’s home and narrowly avoids being shot by Joe’s wife. The following day, he leaves town without stopping by his parents’ house. As Joe recounts, Frank was right in assuming that their understanding parents would comprehend his actions towards those who care for him. Joe does not hear from his brother for some time until their father reveals that Frank has been imprisoned in another state. He kept this information to himself in order to spare their mother any distress.
