Far North (1988)
Directed by Sam Shepard
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Family Drama, Rural Drama |
Release Date - Nov 9, 1988 (USA) |
Run Time - 90 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - PG13
Share on
Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Writer/director Sam Shepard's jaundiced view of "Lake Woebegone" territory is essentially a vehicle for his lady fair Jessica Lange. Far North is set in rural Minnesota, at the home of a dour, curmudgeonly farm family. Only Kate (Lange) has been able to escape this repressive environment, but she comes home when dad Bertram (Charles Durning) is laid up in the hospital. Despite her city-bred sophistication, Kate almost instantly reverts to childhood, trying desperately to "prove herself" to her misogynistic papa. To do this, she vows to kill the poor old horse that caused her father's injury. Considering its bleak surroundings and vituperative characters, Far North contains very funny dialogue; in terms of the film's cinematic value, however, Shepard's idea of directing seems to be to yell "Action!" and hope for the best.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
accident, dysfunctional, family-tragedy, farming, generation, horse