Burden

Name: Tony
From: Pittsburgh

"Burden"

Directed by Ron Howard
Written by Robert Benton

Cast:

Jon Voight as Nelson Kastle
Ben Affleck as James Kastle
Kim Dickens as Diane Kastle
Peter Krause as Stanley Crane

Tagline: "The most difficult battles are ones we've never overcome"

Synopsis:

It was 4am when Nelson Kastle received the phone call that his oldest son was shot down and killed earlier that night. His son, Jacob, was a police officer investigating a suspicious vehicle when he ran into the owner of the car, a man who was carrying pseudoephedrine, a drug used to cook methamphetamine. The killer was found guilty of murder charges, but Nelson wasn't satisfied. He had already lost his wife four years ago; now, he feels empty and alone. To Nelson, Jacob was his only son. He was the one he took extra care of, the one that appreciated everything his father did for him, and the one that never disobeyed. But Nelson had another son, James, a bloodless lawyer that did things his own way his entire life. James never had much feelings towards his father and brother which is why he moved across the country. After Jacobs death, Nelson has become more troubled and the grieving will not go away. He wants to file a lawsuit towards Pfizer, the company in which sold the medication that is used for meth. With little money, he knows his only chance at making the case happen is to call James.

It was 3am when James Kastle received the phone call from his father, first wanting to know why he missed the funeral. James, always brash, didn't want to conversant with his father, until Nelson laid down his proposition. It was a case James knew he could win, but fighting along side his father was his dilemma. After further discussion with his wife, Diane, the two travel to Oregon the following day. Without much thought, James instantly calls out the weakened state of his father, He felt he owed it to him after the years of beatings and favoritism he showed towards his other son. After more words, James gets started on the case.

Opposing the case is Pfizer representative Stanley Crane. Crane is a cynical, relentless figure that is not afraid to get his hands dirty. The longer the investigation goes, the more ground James loses and the more Nelson grieves over the death of his son. In order for the two to overcome the ordeal, they must put the past and differences aside to focus on the one thing they do care about. To strengthen James case, he results to exposing the company by knowing the meth ingredient is in their drug and how easy it is for a meth head to obtain. Meanwhile, Nelson develops a bonding relationship with Diane at home as she hears stories by which she only heard from James, until now. She is exposed to both sides of the father/son relationship as Nelson pours his heart into the troubled past.

The case begins to be more stressful for the two as they depend on each other more than ever now. Eventually, the case ends with the Kastle family receiving 300,000 dollars in compensatory and punitive damages. They exposed the company of enhancing the production of the drug due to the overwhelming sales that were mostly from addicts and dealers. Over the long haul of events, the two men say their goodbyes. James looks into the cold eyes of his father, knowing that this win wasn't going to satisfy him, but only make it worse. Nelson admits the greed, illusions, and frustration led him to this lawsuit, but it would not bring his son back. He would, however, like to believe he gained another son. James would visit on holiday breaks.

What the press would say:

"Burden" is the new highly effective drama from director Ron Howard and writer Robert Benton. Together, the two have masterfully depicted a beautifully thought out drama mixed with political issues with regret and sorrow. Of course, the film's focal point strictly relies on the collapse and the rebuilding of a long lost father/son relationship that is sure to have audiences in droves to see the raw emotion each character possesses on screen. Howard grips us instantly with the first scene in the film, where Nelson Kastle hears the news of the death. Instantly, our emotions are running high from the superior directing skills and stunning lighting fixture in the scene that create such a somber mood.

The man in the scene, none other than Jon Voight. In the opening scene, Voight graces the audience with flawless, wordless acting as we feel the anguish and pain of the character through gestures, cries, and the act of defeat shown through Voight. Voight has been off the path for a very long time; therefore most will consider this his comeback role for the ages and will make us remember how affectionate this actor can be. Voight feeds off the atmosphere and mood of his home; the empty, broken down soul. Starring his son is Ben Affleck, whom unquestionably gives the most impressive performance of his career as James Kastle. At times harshly criticized, Affleck eventually showed his ability after playing George Reeves. Now, Affleck accepts the challenge of playing an original character with many layers and impressions to fulfill. With the help of Benton, Afflecks dialogue comes out as harsh and brutally honest. The hatred he shows to his father at the start of the film feels real, almost as if the actor is improving the entire scene. Together, Voight and Affleck set a strong example defend their characters the entire way through until there is nothing left to defend but compassion and honor. In the very last reels of the film, Nelson reacts emotionally towards his son, and not against his son. Through wordless acting, we can tell Affleck is not ready to commit fully towards this man, but we do see a mutual respect as he holds his father after the exhausting event. In a supporting role, Kim Dickens plays the wife of James Kastle. Dickens gives the most upbeat performance in the film and is the only wildcard between the two main character figures. She is overlapped with all these emotions that eventually she does not take sides in the matter and rather sympathizes with both. Truly, a thoughtful, embracing performance. Lastly, there is Peter Krause, who is the main interest when it comes to the political issues of the film. Krause is in a heated, head to head battle with the Kastle family and serves as the coming together piece for the father and son. His ruthless antics and blank stares say enough of what Krause brings to this role. While in the shadows of Voight and Affleck, Krause shall soley be recognized as the fourth leg in the table.

Through all the political debates and harsh criticisms, ultimately the film comes down to the dementing trial of person guilt and forgiveness. The real essence of the film relies on the on-going tension of the father and son and that is where the real stress and emotion of the film takes place. What at first starts as the greed of one father and the abuse of power and need to win of one son, turns into the fight to humanize each other and admit to their wrong doings. The father figure one desperately needed and the son one desperately wanted to love. "Burden" is an efficacious, potent force that will sweep movie goers around the country with its competent story and adept performances.

FYC:

Best Picture

Best Director - Ron Howard

Best Actor - Jon Voight

Best Actor - Ben Affleck

Best Supporting Actress - Kim Dickens

Best Supporting Actor - Peter Krause

Best Original Screenplay