Jacknife

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the US movie, Jacknife. For other uses, see Jackknife (disambiguation).

Jackknife
theatrical poster
Directed by	David Jones
Produced by	Carol Baum Robert Schaffel
Written by	Stephen Metcalfe
Starring	Robert De Niro Ed Harris Kathy Baker
Music by	Bruce Broughton
Cinematography	Brian West
Editing by	John Bloom
Distributed by	Kings Road Entertainment
Release date(s)	March 10, 1989
Running time	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro and Ed Harris. The film focuses on a small, serious story, with emphasis on characterization and the complex tension between people in a close relationship.

[edit] Plot

The film follows Joseph Megessey (known to most everyone as Megs), a Vietnam war veteran suffering post-Vietnam stress syndrome, who is having trouble fitting in with society. He takes on the responsibility of drawing Dave (Ed Harris), a drunken truck driver, out of his shell by coaxing him to enjoy life again, as well as urging him to face up to some of his darker memories. Joseph then finds himself attracted to Dave's sister Martha (Kathy Baker). This attraction leads to a love affair, much to Dave's disapproval. Eventually, Dave vents his anger and frustration at Martha's high school prom, where she has been accompanied by Megs. This leads to Dave finally facing his demons and acknowledging Megs and Martha for being there for him. Afterwards, despite initially ending what was a promising romance, Megs returns to Martha.

The movie was filmed in Meriden, Connecticut.