American Heart (1992, Martin Bell)
Documentarist Martin Bell enters the realm of fiction with this slow moving, but interesting urban drama. In one of his most natural performances, Jeff Bridges plays an ex-con who gets to play the role of father for the very first time when his son (Edward Furlong) insists on moving in with him. The unusual relationship between father and son provides the film with its heart, and director Bell creates the proper ambiance that will allow these characters to unravel. It was filmed in Seattle, and since I’m familiar with the city, I can vouch for Bell and say that he captured with uncanny exactitude the strangely detached atmosphere of underprivileged sections of the city. Bridges and Furlong are excellent. Tom Waits’ original songs are a great touch and James R. Bagdonas’ camera work is strong. A moving, intelligent and very interesting drama.
I think that the performances and sense of place in this movie make it worth seeking out. It may not be quite as good as the documentary on which it was based (Streetwise), Jeff Bridges performance holds the picture together.