At Close Range

At Close Range

Year: 1986

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: James Foley

DramaCrime

In rural Pennsylvania, the Whitewood family's dark legacy unfolds. Sons Brad Jr. (Sean Penn) and Tommy (Chris Penn) are drawn into their crime lord father's (Christopher Walken) orbit, embracing a life of organized chaos. But as they face the consequences of their own criminal endeavors, they must confront the chilling reality: their father will stop at nothing to maintain his freedom.

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Timeline & Setting – At Close Range (1986)
Explore the full timeline and setting of At Close Range (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative reflects a modern-day struggle against the backdrop of familial loyalty and criminal influence. This era is marked by the clash between law enforcement and the underground crime world, showcasing the dynamics of desperation and survival in a clannish setting.

Location

Rural America, Montana

The movie unfolds in a rural America, a landscape steeped in crime where the influence of organized gangs permeates everyday life. Montana serves as an emblematic backdrop, known for its vast farmlands and rugged terrain, contrasting sharply with the lurking violence and illegal activities orchestrated by the Whitewood family.

🏞️ Rural 🌾 Agriculture

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Main Characters – At Close Range (1986)
Meet the key characters of At Close Range (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brad Whitewood Jr. (Sean Penn)

Brad Whitewood Jr. is a conflicted teenager striving to carve out his identity amidst the chaos of his father's criminal empire. Although initially captivated by the allure of a rebellious lifestyle, he ultimately seeks redemption and escape from the treacherous cycle of violence. His character embodies the struggles of adolescent despair and the quest for familial acceptance.

👦 Troubled 🙁 Despair ⚔️ Conflict

Brad Whitewood Sr. (Christopher Walken)

Brad Whitewood Sr. is a formidable patriarch whose manipulative and dangerous nature leaves a significant impact on his family's dynamics. As the leader of a criminal gang, he exhibits paranoia and ruthlessness, particularly towards those he perceives as threats, including his son’s girlfriend, Terry. His character encapsulates the darker aspects of paternal influence.

💼 Criminal 🔥 Manipulative 😨 Paranoia

Terry (Mary Stuart Masterson)

Terry is a naive yet resilient character who finds herself entangled in the web of the Whitewood family's criminal activities through her relationship with Junior. Her vulnerability becomes a target for manipulation as Sr. seeks to crush their connection. Terry’s tragic fate raises poignant questions about innocence and the consequences of familial loyalties.

❤️ Innocence 😢 Vulnerable 💔 Tragedy

Tommy (Chris Penn)

Tommy is Brad Jr.'s brother, who shares in the chaotic lifestyle cultivated by their father. He embodies the loyalty and camaraderie often found in brotherhoods within criminal circles. However, his entanglement in crime ultimately leads to perilous consequences, accentuating the theme of familial bonds tested by violence.

👬 Brotherly 🎢 Chaos ⚡ Loyalty

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Major Themes – At Close Range (1986)
Explore the central themes of At Close Range (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Violence

Violence is a pervasive theme throughout the film, manifesting in both physical confrontations and emotional manipulations. Junior’s entrapment within his father's criminal world exposes the brutal realities that accompany loyalty and betrayal. As his loved ones are systematically eliminated, the cycle of violence escalates, driving him to a breaking point.

⚖️ Justice

The quest for justice emerges as a central theme, culminating in Junior's pivotal decision to testify against his father. This act symbolizes a struggle for truth and morality amidst widespread corruption and familial loyalty. The courtroom serves as a dramatic setting where the consequences of crime are laid bare.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal intertwines deeply with the familial relationships depicted in the film. Junior's increasing awareness of his father's manipulative schemes leads to devastating emotional rifts, particularly in his relationship with Terry. The theme is highlighted through the tragic decisions made by both Junior and his father, revealing the cost of loyalty amidst criminal loyalty.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

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