Review: Jacknife


Vietnam Vet and mechanic Robert De Niro (in one of his showier, livelier roles) looks up his old buddy (Ed Harris) for a previously planned fishing trip, finds that he’s not coping so well, despite being looked after by his wallflower sister (Kathy Baker, a criminally underrated actress) whom he lives with. Whilst trying to get his buddy (a high school football hero) to start dealing with his problems, a bond is formed between loud but well-meaning De Niro and bookish, repressed Baker. Charles S. Dutton plays a therapy group leader for disturbed war veterans.



Stagey, small, but engrossing, perfectly acted 1989 David Jones (“Betrayal”, based on a Harold Pinter play) war/drama presents us with what might have happened to Michael and Steven years after “The Deer Hunter”. Not exactly, but it’s not too much of a stretch to at least suggest such a notion. All three of the performances are great, but De Niro is particularly masterful and Baker perfectly cast.



Very underrated and worth a look for the acting alone (the war flashbacks are unnecessary and ineffective, unfortunately). The screenplay is by Stephen Metcalfe (“Roommates”), from his play. If you’re left unmoved by this simple but effective drama, you’re probably already dead. Just don’t expect the scope of “The Deer Hunter” or the histrionics of “Taxi Driver”.



Rating: B+

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