Watch Big Bad Love

Big Bad Love is a 2001 drama film that follows the life of Leon Barlow, a struggling writer and Vietnam veteran who is caught between his passion for his art and his desire to be a good father and husband. The film is directed by and stars Arliss Howard as Leon Barlow, alongside Debra Winger as his wife, Marilyn, and Paul Le Mat as his friend, Monroe.

The story takes place in the rural South, where Leon, who is haunted by his war experiences, lives with his wife, and their two young daughters. Despite his talent as a writer, Leon struggles to find his footing, and his failures drive a wedge between him and Marilyn. As he fights writer's block, he gradually finds solace in alcohol and becomes increasingly distant from his family.

As the film progresses, Leon's life takes many twists and turns. He befriends an eccentric artist named Monroe, who becomes a mentor and confidante to him. With Monroe's help, Leon begins to write again but finds himself drawn into a dangerous world of drugs, alcohol, and reckless behavior. Meanwhile, Marilyn must come to terms with her own life choices and decide whether or not to stay with Leon.

In Big Bad Love, director Arliss Howard crafts a powerful and poignant portrait of a struggling writer and the family that he loves. The film is a deeply personal exploration of one man's journey to find his voice, his place in the world, and his way back to the people who matter most to him.

With his gritty, raw style, Howard creates a vivid sense of place and atmosphere, capturing the stark beauty of the rural South and the struggle of small-town life. His direction is enhanced by the film's strong performances, with Howard himself giving a career-best turn as the troubled Leon Barlow, and Debra Winger delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as his conflicted wife, Marilyn.

At its core, Big Bad Love is a film about the enduring power of love, even in the face of immense hardship and struggle. It is a poignant and touching portrait of a family in crisis, and a tribute to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult of obstacles.

Overall, Big Bad Love is a powerful and moving film that deftly explores complex themes of love, loss, and the struggle of the human spirit. It is a must-see for fans of drama and independent cinema, and a testament to the talent of its director, Arliss Howard.