Running on Empty

Running on Empty, a 1988 American drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, revolves around the Pope family, who have been living on the outskirts of society for nearly two decades. The film's narrative masterfully weaves together themes of family, loyalty, love, and self-discovery, creating a complex and gripping portrayal of a family forever trapped in the shadows. The movie begins with the introduction of the Pope family, consisting of Arthur (played by Judd Hirsch) and Annie (played by Mary Beth Hurt), the parents, and their three children, Denny (played by Emory Allen), Chrissy (played by River Phoenix), and Jessica (played by Martha Plimpton). The family has been living in a rundown school bus on the outskirts of Los Angeles, constantly changing their location to evade detection from the authorities. As the title suggests, they are running from their past and trying to stay one step ahead of the law. Throughout the film, the family's history and the circumstances that led them to this point are gradually revealed through a series of flashbacks and conversations. It transpires that Arthur, a former draft counselor, and Annie, a nurse, had become disillusioned with the Vietnam War and took it upon themselves to sabotage weapons production facilities in the late 1960s. The consequences of their actions led to a manhunt, forcing them to assume new identities and live in hiding ever since. The eldest child, Denny, is a grown young man with a passion for music. He meets a girl named Lorna (played by Jennifer Connelly) in a diner, and they soon become infatuated with each other. Denny's desire to be with Lorna and start a new life without the family brings about a sense of uncertainty and tension among the Poges. Denny's decision to move in with Lorna and leave the family sets off a series of events that challenge the family's sense of unity. Meanwhile, Chrissy, a talented young musician, is beginning to explore his own identity, wanting more than the nomadic lifestyle of running from the authorities. Chrissy's desire to settle down and pursue his passion for music resonates with Denny, who is struggling to define his own path in life. As the story unfolds, tension builds between the Poges and those close to them. Lorna's father, Gus (played by Christopher Walker), is an FBI informant who becomes increasingly suspicious of Denny's activities, and their relationship is ultimately put to the test. Chrissy, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of his family's situation, begins to question his own decisions and his place in the world. The family's precarious situation comes to a head when Gus becomes convinced that Denny is the one they have been searching for all along. This sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to a confrontation between the Poges and the law. Arthur's attempts to protect his family and his own history come into conflict with his desire to see his children lead normal lives. The film's climax sees Arthur's past finally confront him, and it brings about a moment of catharsis for the entire family. The movie ends with a bittersweet note, as the Poges are faced with the possibility of being caught and possibly put behind bars for their long-past actions. However, more than anything, the film highlights the complexities and the human element of a family living in hiding. River Phoenix's portrayal of Chrissy is nothing short of remarkable. He brings depth and nuance to the character, making his struggles with identity and belonging relatable and heartfelt. Judd Hirsch and Mary Beth Hurt deliver equally impressive performances as the parents, capturing the complexity and desperation of the family's situation. In summary, Running on Empty is a gripping drama that delves into the lives of a family in perpetual hiding. It's a poignant portrayal of the human condition, exploring themes of family, love, and the complexities of living with regret. The film's portrayal of the Pope family and their struggles to come to terms with their past is both captivating and heart-wrenching. The movie's narrative and characters stay with the viewer long after the credits roll, making Running on Empty a powerful exploration of the human condition.