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At Close Range
1986 111 min United States of America, United Kingdom R 18+
★7.1
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: James Foley
Trailers
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Description
Brad Whitewood Jr. lives in rural Pennsylvania and has few prospects. Against his mother's wishes, he seeks out his estranged father, the head of a gang of thieves in a nearby town. Though his new girlfriend supports his criminal ambitions, Brad Jr. soon learns that his father is a dangerous man. Inspired by the real events that led to the end of the Johnston Gang, who operated in the northeastern United States in the 1970s.
Budget:
$6.5M
US Gross:
$2.35M
Worldwide:
$2.35M
Starring
Sean Penn
Actor
Christopher Walken
Actor
Mary Stuart Masterson
Actor
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 1986
— Golden Bear
Key opinion
At Close Range is generally regarded as a gritty, atmospheric crime drama that succeeds through its commitment to a chilling, true-crime narrative. While some critics find the plot thin or repetitive, the film is widely praised for its immersive 1970s setting and the unsettling central conflict between father and son.
| Production | The film masterfully creates an immersive and authentic atmosphere of 1970s rural America. | |
| Theme | The core conflict, centered on the terrifying, predatory nature of a father who would destroy his own children, provides a dark and compelling thematic backbone. | |
| Acting | Performances are a major point of contention; some viewers find the cast vivid and striking, while others criticize the lead performances as ineffective or unengaging. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: proponents praise the power of its reality-based plot, whereas detractors argue the narrative is dull, repetitive, and poorly written. |