Going All the Way

Going All the Way is a 1997 film directed by Mark Pellington, adapted from Dan Wakefield's novel. The film showcases the talents of a star-studded cast, including Jeremy Davies, Ben Affleck, and Amy Locane. The film is set in the mid-1950s, with the backdrop of post-war America providing the brooding canvas for the story.

The film tells the tale of two young soldiers returning to their hometown, Indianapolis, after their service in the Korean War. These two men are Gunner Casselman, portrayed by Jeremy Davies, and Sonny Burns, played with remarkable intensity by Ben Affleck. Both men find it challenging to return to their old lives after the end of the war, grappling with readjusting to their former existence and figuring out what they want from life.

Gunner Casselman is an introverted, affable sort with an affinity for writing and taking photographs. He is calm and inhibited and doesn't quite fit into the societal mold of his time. In contrast, Sonny Burns is a charismatic, popular jock with a quick temper and swagger to his step. Despite the differences in their personalities, a shared sense of alienation binds them together.

As they come back to the mundanity of their lives in Indianapolis, they sense a profound disconnection from their past. The once-familiar city they grew up in now feels different, as if the war has caused a profound shift in their perspectives. The two friends are caught in a transitional phase, on the cusp of adulthood and not entirely ready to accept all the responsibilities that come with it.

Amy Locane plays Buddy Porter, a blonde, vibrant woman who represents the societal norms of the time. She is the antithesis to Gunner's and Sonny's dissatisfaction, cheerfully accepting her role in society and all that comes with it.

One major theme of Going All the Way is the exploration of masculinity during this era. Both Gunner and Sonny grapple with their versions of manhood, with societal expectations constantly clashing with personal realities. The war has introduced them to a harsher, grittier world, worlds apart from the idyllic existence of Indianapolis.

However, Going All the Way isn't just about brooding and contemplation. The movie is interspersed with humorous moments, creating delightful juxtapositions against the severity of their situation. The screenplay is sharp and often quite revealing, showing the internal turmoil of the characters battling the bitterness of their war-fraught past with the sugar-coated reality of their present.

Moreover, the film provides an intimate look at post-war America, a time filled with both fragile optimism and understated dread. The movie captures this era perfectly, from carefully preserved 50's diners to vintage clothing, capturing the ambiance of the period authentically. The cinematography and art direction are splendid, painting a vivid picture of Indianapolis in the 1950s.

Going All the Way is a sensitive, contemplative character study that explores friendship, sexuality, war consequences, and societal norms. It reveals the layers of its characters with subtlety and compassion, and both Davies and Affleck offer strong, charismatic performances.

In conclusion, Going All the Way is a tender, at times bitingly funny, and complicated film about the convolutions of youth and the pains of growth. It is an exploration of the past, a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of two young men who just can't go back to the way things were. And perhaps, most importantly, it's a tribute to the formative friendships that help us find our path in life. The these elements interweave to create a story that is deeply human, melancholic, and yet, hopeful.