On this day March 10 1989 the drama film Jacknife premiered in theaters. Directed by David Jones the film starred Robert De Niro Ed Harris and Kathy Baker in a story about two Vietnam War veterans struggling to adjust to life after the war.
De Niro played Joseph Megs Megessey a former Marine who reconnects with his old war buddy Dave played by Ed Harris. Dave battles alcoholism and the trauma of his past while his sister Martha Kathy Baker tries to hold their family together. As tensions rise Megs and Martha form an unexpected bond leading to emotional confrontations and healing.
Despite its strong performances Jacknife struggled at the box office earning just 2 million against a 6 million budget. However the film received critical praise and Ed Harris was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
80s insight: Jacknife was based on the play Strange Snow by Stephen Metcalfe which explored the struggles of Vietnam veterans adjusting to civilian life.
De Niro played Joseph Megs Megessey a former Marine who reconnects with his old war buddy Dave played by Ed Harris. Dave battles alcoholism and the trauma of his past while his sister Martha Kathy Baker tries to hold their family together. As tensions rise Megs and Martha form an unexpected bond leading to emotional confrontations and healing.
Despite its strong performances Jacknife struggled at the box office earning just 2 million against a 6 million budget. However the film received critical praise and Ed Harris was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
80s insight: Jacknife was based on the play Strange Snow by Stephen Metcalfe which explored the struggles of Vietnam veterans adjusting to civilian life.
