End of The Line

End of The Line is a heart-stirring drama film that was released in 1987. This film was directed by Jay Russell and starred acclaimed actors Kevin Bacon, Bob Balaban, and Barbara Barrie, along with an equally talented ensemble cast.

The setting of the story is in isolated Cliff, Arkansas. Many of the town's inhabitants rely on their jobs at the railroad, leading to a profound and often personal connection to the trains that come and go. The central narrative revolves around two eccentric yet endearing characters, Will Haney and Leo Pickett, brilliantly portrayed by Hollywood veterans Wilford Brimley and Levon Helm. Brimley's performance as Haney is a masterclass in loveable stubbornness, combining gentle paternalism with mule-headed determination. Meanwhile, Helm's Pickett serves as a perfect foil, his can-do attitude and innate goodness balancing out Haney's more hard-nosed approach.

A new corporate merger threatens their world, casting a shadow over the entire town. The railroad management plans to shut down the local yard and replace the human workers with more efficient computerized systems. Kevin Bacon steps into the shoes of Everett, a young and ambitious corporate drone from 'the big city', tasked with the unfortunate job of ensuring a smooth transition in Cliff. However, Everett soon finds himself tangled in a moral conundrum, caught between his duty to the corporation, his newfound empathy with the rail workers, and his attraction to Haney's fiercely independent daughter, Charlotte, played by Holly Hunter.

Bob Balaban delivers a nuanced performance as Warren Gerber, the straight-laced, by-the-book manager of the town's rail yard, who might know more about the corporate plans than he initially lets on. Barbara Barrie adds depth to the plot as Haney's wife, Rose. Her character is the embodiment of resilience and unwavering support in the face of daunting odds.

As the plot develops, it delves into the themes of community, incorporation, and the human cost of technological advancement. It explores how a community reacts when its primary source of livelihood is threatened and how the townsfolk find their quaint, small-town existence abruptly parked at the crossroads of progress and tradition. The narrative presents charming moments of humour, romance, heartbreak, and suspense, all while exploring the relentless march of progress and the sacrifices needed on its altar.

End of The Line's storytelling is notable for its intimate character development and its examination of the broader socio-economic repercussions of industrial automation. You're drawn into the world of these characters, feeling their pain, understanding their motivations, and cheering on their small victories. It's this human focus that makes the film resonate so deeply, blurring the line between audience and actor, observer, and participant.

The movie was acclaimed for its sensitive handling of its themes. The cinematography perfectly captures the essence of the rural American landscape, forming a vivid backdrop to the unfolding drama.

Kevin Bacon gives a riveting performance evolving from an out-of-place city boy to a man caught up in a struggle for justice. His natural chemistry with Holly Hunter's Charlotte brings a poignant romantic subplot to the film, which serves to enhance the emotional weight of the main narrative.

End of The Line is a film that challenges, moves, and ultimately, inspires the viewer. It speaks to the everyday heroism of the working class, the resilience of community spirit, and the tough choices one must make in the name of progress.

This cinematic gem gives us a glimpse into a nostalgic yet real America, where progress and tradition intersect in the most unexpected ways. End of The Line will leave audiences with a deeper appreciation for the human cost of progress, and a renewed faith in the power of community and human connection.

It's a compelling narrative with gorgeous visuals, impressive performances, and profound emotional depth. It's no surprise End of The Line has stood the test of time, remaining as engaging and relevant today as when it was first released back in 1987.