Sean Penn
Lupo Solitario

THE REVIEW

Sean Penn is a magnificent director. He proves it with this "The Indian Runner" from 1991. He will later confirm it with "The Pledge" (2001) and with what I consider one of the greatest cinematographic works ever: Into the Wild (2007).

A complicated film, where the feelings experienced by the two protagonists are the backbone of a grandiose work. The two protagonists go by the names Viggo Mortensen and David Morse. Their remarkable performances further elevate the level of the film.

Joe and Frank are two inseparable brothers. Having grown up, each takes their own path: Joe builds a quiet life with his wife and son. Frank, on the other hand, decides to join the United States Army and head for the Vietnam War. After killing someone in self-defense, Joe will meet Frank again following the death of their mother. It will be Joe who seeks out Frank to give him the dramatic news and discovers that his brother, even though engaged to Dorothy (Patricia Arquette), has become an irritable, violent man, alienated from the world and driven only by hatred and despair. Good Joe will try in every way to help his brother build a family, find a job, and finally live happily. And just when it seems he has succeeded, Frank will once again betray the trust given to him by his older brother.

Completely inspired by Bruce Springsteen's song "Highway Patrolman", Sean Penn creates a bleak depiction of American society. The evident contrast between the model family and the drifters who American society often abandons to their cruel fate is particularly evident. The destiny of those devoured by alcohol, war, and loneliness remains inexorably alone. And when unexpected help arrives, everything becomes more complicated than before... It seems impossible to reason with Frank. He is closed in his world, fighting his inner demons despite having achieved everything he wanted. He doesn't accept the world around him, hates his own existence, and broods over past mistakes. He's plagued by thoughts that even his brother Joe cannot understand.

"The Indian Runner" is a vivid, raw film and unfortunately, as often happens with great works due to the topics covered and some intense scenes, it hasn't received the attention it deserves, but has remained within the realm of independent films. Viggo Mortensen is absolutely at ease in the role of the outcast, bringing depth to the character and delivering truly notable performances. The performance by our own Valeria Golino, Joe's wife with hashish problems, is also commendable.

In this film, there's everything a dramatic film must have. A great story, great actors, a magnificent country-rock soundtrack, but above all, a great director. A story that touches the heart. A film that is sad and at the same time violent.

Pain, violence, self-harm, unrest, hatred, love.

In The Indian Runner, you'll find all this...