BEFORE: The entertainment news is full of tributes to Robin Williams, and I sort of have mixed feelings. Not about how funny the man was, that's not really in doubt. But there's that stigma attached to depression and suicide, wondering if someone failed if they failed to be happy, or if instead they were a victim of circumstance. Then there's people wondering how someone could be so funny on the outside and tragic on the inside, but it's something we've seen before, time after time, in the stories of John Belushi, Phil Hartman, and yes, Richard Pryor, who carries over from "California Suite". Very few people get to lead completely charmed lives, and famous people are no different in that regard. It's how we deal with life's little (and big) tragedies that ends up defining us, and somehow suicide manages to be tragic with a touch of narcissism and self-indulgence, if you follow my thinking.
THE PLOT: A Vietnam vet returns home from a prisoner of war camp and is greeted as a hero, but is quickly forgotten and soon discovers how tough survival is in his own country.
AFTER: I've been working a 70's vibe most of the week due to the Jane Fonda films, and even though this film was released in 1982 (and, I assume, also takes place then? It's tough to tell.) because it deals with a Vietnam veteran, this still feels like it's on topic. The main character spends years in a P.O.W. camp, obviously it's an important part of his story, but it could also be an add-on to cover up the fact that the film spent years in development limbo. Just a theory.
But let's follow the theme I started in the intro - this film is all about dealing with tragedy. Our (anti-) hero spends years in terrible conditions while held by the Viet Cong, who harass him over and over to sign a confession regarding U.S. war crimes. He holds out as long as he can, but in an attempt to get medical care for his cellmate and friend, he finally relents. This eventually comes back to haunt him once he is released, because it causes his veteran's benefits to be suspended.
But wait, there's more. After initially being told the good news that his wife had a daughter, after an initial romantic meeting with his wife, she reveals that she's moved on with her life. Also, his mother has suffered a stroke and requires constant medical care. There's plenty more, I won't reveal all here because the tragedies are revealed to comic effect, and I try not to step on other people's jokes. Bottom line, the guy needs money desperately, and turns to a life of crime.
This also puts me in a difficult position tonight - because rooting for this character to succeed means supporting his crimes. But it's the system that drives him to crime, so is society the real villain here? That seems like too easy of an answer, plus it lets the sinner off the hook. There should be no shortcuts in life. But a complex film should be able to portray a situation with no easy answers as well. I keep going back and forth on this.
Also starring Margot Kidder (last seen in "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace"), Ronny Cox (last seen in "Total Recall"), Ray Sharkey, Lynne Moody, with cameos from Matt Clark and my buddy, Peter Jason (as Asshole #1 in bar, last seen in "Congo")
RATING: 4 out of 10 treasury bonds
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