Watch Blue River

Blue River is a gripping and emotionally charged drama that was released in 1995, directed by Larry Elikann and written by Arthur Kopit. The movie stars Jerry O'Connell, Nick Stahl, and Neal McDonough in leading roles. The movie is a character study that delves deep into issues of family dynamics, mental health, and how grief can affect us all in different ways.

The story revolves around two estranged brothers, Edward and Nick, who reunite after their father's suicide. Edward (O'Connell) is a successful lawyer living in Chicago, while Nick (Stahl) is a high school student in rural Colorado. When Nick's father dies, he goes on a downward spiral and starts to show signs of aggression and violence. Fearing for his brother's safety, Edward travels to Colorado to bring Nick back to the city with him. However, Nick resists and Edward is left struggling to help his brother while also dealing with his own emotional turmoil.

The movie is a raw and unflinching depiction of mental illness, and the effects it can have on the individual and their family. Nick's descent into anger and violence is due to untreated mental illness, and his family is struggling to come to terms with what he's going through. The film explores these issues in a compassionate and sensitive way, showing the brother's struggle to understand and help one another.

One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Nick Stahl. He gives an outstanding performance as the troubled and angry Nick, displaying raw emotion and vulnerability, as well as a hint of danger. His descent into mental illness is portrayed with accuracy and sensitivity, and is a credit to Stahl's performance. O'Connell's role as the older brother also stands out, as he portrays a man dealing with immense grief, and trying to protect his brother, while also coming to terms with his own past.

The movie's director, Larry Elikann, deserves much praise for delivering a movie that is effective in communicating the message and for eliciting exceptional performances from the actors. Elikann manages to create an intense and realistic atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's themes. The cinematography is also notable, with the landscapes of Colorado serving as a backdrop to the highly-charged drama.

The movie's soundtrack is another highlight, with a hauntingly beautiful score by Mason Daring. The music perfectly captures the mood and emotion of the film, and elevates the drama to another level.

The screenplay by Arthur Kopit is thoughtful and articulate, and explores complex themes such as mental illness, family, and grief in a nuanced and empathetic way. The dialogue is realistic and engaging, and never feels forced or overly dramatic. Kopit manages to capture the essence of the human condition with his writing, and the result is a movie that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

In conclusion, Blue River is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexity of mental health and family dynamics. It features outstanding performances from its lead actors, a haunting soundtrack, and masterful direction. The movie may be emotionally challenging, but it is ultimately a rewarding viewing experience that will stay with you long after the end credits have rolled.

Blue River is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.