Watch The Broken Giant

The Broken Giant is a poignant drama film released in 1997, directed by Estep Nagy. The movie follows the lives of three siblings, Victor (John Glover), Dolly (Brooke Smith), and Vinton (Will Arnett), as they struggle to come to terms with their father's passing. The film takes place in a small town in upstate New York, where the siblings have lived most of their lives. Victor, the eldest of the siblings, is returning home after years of living in Los Angeles. He is a failed filmmaker who has been ostracized from the film industry and has developed an addiction to prescription drugs. Dolly, on the other hand, is the middle child who has stayed in the town and taken care of their father until his recent demise. She remains a caring and compassionate person, but her life is filled with loneliness and regret. Lastly, Vinton is the youngest of the three, a high school senior who feels burdened by his family's history and their struggles.

As the siblings gather in their family home, they try to come to terms with their father's death and the history that led to his estrangement from each of them. It's a dysfunctional family dynamic full of tension and conflict, which the film portrays with a deft and nuanced touch. Through their conversations and interactions, the film explores their relationships and reveals the many ways in which their father's absence has affected them.

The film is a character-driven drama, with strong performances from the cast. John Glover, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Victor, capturing the character's pain and vulnerability with skill and grace. In contrast, Brooke Smith brings a quiet strength to her portrayal of Dolly, imbuing the character with a sense of resilience that belies her inner turmoil. Will Arnett also performs admirably in one of his early screen roles, capturing the awkwardness and confusion of a young man struggling to understand his place in the world.

The pacing of the film is slow and deliberate, allowing the characters to unfold naturally and giving the audience space to connect with the characters' emotions. The film's cinematography, meanwhile, is understated and elegant, capturing the beauty of the small town and its surroundings with a muted color palette that reflects the characters' sense of melancholy.

Overall, The Broken Giant is an emotionally resonant and insightful film that delves into themes of family, grief, and the search for meaning. The film is a contemplative exploration of human relationships, filled with flawed and complex characters struggling to come to terms with their past and their present. For those who enjoy character-driven dramas, The Broken Giant is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression.