David

David is an emotionally charged 1988 docudrama, recounting an authentic, heart-wrenching story of resilience, courage, and unyielding family love. Directed by John Erman and starring Bernadette Peters, John Glover, and Dan Lauria, this movie is based on the real-life story of the Rothenberg family and their fight against unimaginable tragedy.

The movie centers around the young David Rothenberg, who becomes the innocent victim of a horrific crime committed by his own father. John Glover shines in his performance as Charles Rothenberg, a man haunted by the disintegration of his familial bonds and emotionally wrecked to a point where he causes an event that changes the course of their lives permanently. On the other end of the spectrum, David's mother, Marie, played by Bernadette Peters, epitomizes a mother's unconditional love. Distraught by the unfolding tragedy, she stands unyielding, her character highlighting the power of a mother's love and fortitude during times of agony.

Daniel Hugh Kelly gives a commendable performance as Dr. Joseph Catania, a burn specialist whose efforts aid David's physical and emotional healing. Meanwhile, Dan Lauria slides into the role of John Curtis, a comforting presence and a beacon of strength in David's life. The acting in the film is top-notch, with each character contributing to the emotional and dramatic fabric of the storyline, making this real-life tale not just believable but palpable on the screen.

The narrative is densely packed with themes of domestic conflict and the destructive influence it can have on a family, particularly children. Yet, amidst the tragedy, the film doesn't lose sight of its hopeful undertones and the power of human resilience. David, once a victim, exhibits an extraordinary strength of character as he navigates his way through his rehabilitation, emerging as a universal symbol for courage and survival against all odds.

In tackling such a sensitive subject matter, Director John Erman invests a great deal of effort in maintaining authenticity and respect for the real-life victims' experience. He treats the violence with discretion, employing suggestive rather than explicit depictions, making the horror much more psychological than visual. The storytelling, consequently, leaves a deep impact that stirs viewers to ponder on the darker aspects of human nature, and yet also marvel at our capacity for survival and resilience.

The script, written by Howard Fast and Abraham Polonsky, beautifully details the psychological aftermath of the horrific event and the strength found amidst despair and pain. The screenplay never strays into melodrama or traditional villain-hero dynamics, instead focusing on real people facing unthinkable circumstances.

Cinematography and film design are kept simple and functional, reflecting the real-life, everyday setting of the story. These elements serve to enhance the human drama without distracting from the narrative’s central themes of resilience and healing. The emotionally charged scenes are further amplified by an appropriately haunting and sometimes melancholic musical score.

A thread of survival and resilience continues to weave its way through the narrative, delivering a tragic yet hopeful tale that's bound to move viewers. The film's emotional depth, combined with honest performances from the cast, as well as the meticulous direction from Erman's chair, makes David a poignant exploration of a defining human tragedy and the extraordinary power of survival and love.

David is a movie that goes beyond the simple recounting of a horrendous real-life event. It is a profound exploration of the human capacity to survive, to heal, and to overcome against all odds. It portrays a triumph of the human spirit within circumstances that are otherwise tragic, inexplicable, and devastating.

In summary, David is a powerful and captivating film that portrays humanity at its worst and its best. Despite its harrowing premise, it ultimately carries a message of hope and resilience that's likely to resonate with many viewers. As it explores human nature's darker side and our capacity for cruelty, it simultaneously holds up a mirror to our potential for strength, survival, and profound love in the face of dire adversity. David is a testament to the incredible resilience of not only the titular character but of every individual who finds the strength to rise from the ashes of their own personal tragedies.