The Indian Runner (1991)

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Sean Penn

Starring: David Morse, Viggo Mortensen, Patricia Arquette

Running time: 127 minutes

Based on the Bruce Springsteen song called Highway Patrolman, The Indian Runner is the story of two Nebraska brothers, Joe and Frank Roberts. Joe took a job as deputy sheriff after losing his farm and he lives with his wife Maria and their young son. Frank has been in trouble all his life. After coming back from Vietnam, Frank is soon plagued by restlessness, which is bound to get him in trouble.

The Indian Runner is a very subdued film. It is a compelling character study, as the two brothers represent the opposition of the two extreme opposite sides of manhood. One would probably say that it is probably an illustration of both sides within director Sean Penn’s personality. In this film, what is not said is far more important than what is not said, and bother lead actors do a great job with the tough material. The pace is slow and deliberate, and it takes effort to get into this one, but it is well worth it.

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