Jacknife

This article is about the film. For other uses, see Jackknife (disambiguation).

Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. The film focuses on a complex tension between people in a close family relationship. Stephen Metcalfe, on whose play Strange Snow (1982) the film is based, wrote the screenplay. Harris was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.

Jacknife
U.S. Theatrical Poster
Directed by	David Jones
Screenplay by	Stephen Metcalfe
Based on	Strange Snow 1982 play by Stephen Metcalfe
Produced by	Carol Baum Robert Schaffel
Starring	Robert De Niro Ed Harris Kathy Baker
Cinematography	Brian West
Edited by	John Bloom
Music by	Bruce Broughton
Production company	Kings Road Entertainment
Distributed by	Cineplex Odeon Films (North America) Vestron Pictures (International)[1]
Release date	March 10, 1989 (1989-03-10)
Running time	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$10 million[2]
Box office	$2,049,769

Plot

Joseph Megessey (known to most as "Megs") is a Vietnam War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and who is having trouble integrating with society. He finds Dave, a fellow veteran who has become an alcoholic, and attempts to bring him out of his depression by encouraging him to enjoy life again, as well as urging him to face some of his darker memories.

Megs is attracted to Dave's sister Martha, who lives with Dave and looks after him. Megs and Martha fall in love, much to Dave's disapproval. Dave eventually vents his anger and frustration at a high-school prom at which Martha is a chaperone who is accompanied by Megs. This leads Dave to finally face his demons and acknowledge Megs and Martha for being there for him. Afterward, despite initially ending what was a promising romance, Megs returns to Martha.

Cast

• Robert De Niro as Joseph "Megs" Megessey
• Ed Harris as Dave
• Kathy Baker as Martha
• Sloane Shelton as Shirley
• Ivar Brogger as Depot Mechanic
• Michael Arkin as Dispatcher
• Tom Isbell as Bobby Buckman
• Kirk Taylor as Helicopter Gunner
• Jordan Lund as Tiny
• Tom Rack as William Green
• Charles S. Dutton as Jake, Veteran Encounter Group Leader (as Charles Dutton)
• Bruce Ramsay as Corridor Student
• Jessalyn Gilsig as His Girlfriend
• George Gerdes as Tony
• Josh Pais as Rick
• Loudon Wainwright III as Ferretti
• Walter Massey as Ed Buckman
• Elizabeth Franz as Pru Buckman

Production

The movie was filmed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as well as several Connecticut locations, including Meriden, Wallingford, Newington, New Britain and Newtown.^[3]