Silent Running

Author(s): T.D.

Location: TX

"Silent Running"

Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Dan Futterman
Produced by Scott Rudin &Robert Fox
Distributed by Sony PicturesClassics
Art Direction by David Gropman
Set Decoration by Tracey Doyle
Cinematography by Adam Kimmel
Costumes by Paul Simmons
Editing by Tariq Anwar
Music by Marc Shaiman

Main Cast

Alec Baldwin as Harry Falcon
Taraji P. Henson as Jazzmin “Jaz”Carter
Terrence Howard as Robin Parkes
John Lithgow as Dr. Charles “Chas”Bowler
Mena Suvari as Mary Kattner

Tagline: "Life comes at you hard…until those who love you make it easy for you"

Synopsis: Harry Falcon has run his talent agency for 20 years, supplying various types of acts from strippers to singers. The magic has begun to wear off for him, and of late following his wife's departure, he has let the business suffer. To compound his problems, he is suffering from the medical effects of too much scotch over too long a period. He hasn't paid Mary, his loyal but overworked secretary, in over three weeks, and he's starting to mixup the agency's bookings. Chas, his friend and Doctor, is concerned about Harry's health and tries to stop him from drinking. Harry on the other hand still feels in control, and wants nothing more than to be left alone in his room with a bottle of scotch and his classical music. Robin Parkes, the boyfriend of one of his best-liked strippers, calls round and tells Harry that Jazz is giving up the act, so Harry reluctantly stops giving her any work.

Three weeks later, when Jazz visits to find out why all her work has dried up, sheis incensed to be told the reason, and Harry is amazed to discover afterwards that he is developing feelings for her - a girl half his age. On a pretext, Jazz visits Harry again raising his hopes. Realizing this, she gently but firmly tells him their relationship must be platonic, as even though Robin was in the wrong she forgave him. She takes an unusual interest in Harry's relationship with his ex-wife - a conversation which is cut short by her need to go to work.

Shortly afterwards, Robin arrives at Harry's flat and firstly accuses him of trying to have an affair with Jazz, then proceeds to tell him that he has a new job -booking acts at the Brunswick Club - and that Harry's contract with them is now terminated. The Falcon agency's acts are rubbish and Harry never returns phone calls. This isn't the first contract Harry has lost of late and he becomes very dispirited and hits the bottle, hard. On Chas's next visit, his condition has worsened considerably, to the point where, finally refusing any treatment, Chas washes his hands of his friend accusing him of wallowing in self-pity.

Harry later reveals to Jazz that after all his setbacks and problems he wants nothing more than quiet solitude - like a submarine rigged for 'silent running'. He cannot understand why she keeps visiting him, a drunken old has-been. Jazz comforts him as he stares at his imminent death - a simple cuddle is all he wants; to feel close to another human being. Robin arrives to confront Jazz about her presence there; he cannot understand it at all. They argue, and in the middle of their exchanges, Harry dies, alone at last.

What the Press would say:

Every once-in-a-while, but usually every Oscar season, a movie comes along that just leaves you speechless, in tears, and in satisfaction. Based off of the stage play, Mike Nichols’ latest film fits that description. “Silent Running” is a moving film that just beautifully flows through from start to finish. With an Oscar-winning director and an all-star cast, this is a film that both audiences and critics will warmly embrace. Nichols’ direction is simply amazing, and Futterman’s script is well written, and these two had some of the best duo work ever! Not only were they the stars, but so were the cast and crew. Academy Award nominee Alec Baldwin delivers a powerful yet sentimental performance as Harry Falcon, a has-been talent agency owner who suffers from depression and alcoholism. The scene in which he cries on Jazz’s lap and tells her how he feels about his life will just leave you crying till the end. Not only was Baldwin the all star, but so were the supporting cast. Terrence Howard and John Lithgow, both Academy Award nominees, both give outstanding performances as Robin and Chas, respectively. Robin, the abusive boyfriend of Jazz, is just a character you’ll love to hate and still embrace at the same time, and Chas, the caring friend/doctor of Harry, is a perfect paragon of the word “supporting character”, and this is the kind of performance to send Lithgow back to the Oscars. Finally, we have the lovely ladies. Taraji P. Henson, an up and coming star, plays a vibrant stripper who is the companion for Harry. She comforts him, and her scene stealer is in the end where she tells her boyfriend to get out of her life. It was simply moving. Mena Suvari, who was only in the film for ten minutes, delivers a great performance as the secretary who takes care of Harry while he’s in his office. An amazing director, a wonderful script, and a believable cast, “Silent Running” is a film you just got to see!

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director – Mike Nichols
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Alec Baldwin
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Terrence Howard
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – John Lithgow
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Taraji P. Henson
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Mena Suvari
Best Adapted Screenplay – Dan Futterman