Hawks

Hawks is a British drama-comedy film released in 1988 that serves as an emotive, humorous, and poignant exploration of the themes of life, friendship, and approaching mortality. The movie is directed by acclaimed director Robert Ellis Miller, with a screenplay from comedy veteran Roy Clarke. The film stars Timothy Dalton, known for his role as James Bond, and Anthony Edwards, popular for his performance in the television series ER. Rounding off the talented cast is British actress Janet McTeer.

The plot centers on two terminally ill men who share the same hospital ward. Dalton plays Bancroft, an established surgeon diagnosed with cancer, while Edwards portrays Deckerm an ex-con who requires constant medical care for his failing heart. Coming from different backgrounds, they form an unexpected bond brought together by their shared fate. Both men demonstrate their refusal to allow their conditions to dictate the terms on which they live their remaining days. Instead, they embark on a series of riotous adventures to reclaim their dignity and live life to the fullest, making a choice to spend their last days on their own terms.

Timothy Dalton’s Bancroft is a weathered, yet determined character with a dry wit. Equipped with an impressive professional reputation, he's always led an independent life defined by control over his circumstances. His diagnosis, while devastating, pushes him to face his mortality head-on.

Anthony Edwards' Deckerm, on the other hand, projects a rebellious spirit, full of energy and unpredictability. His portrayal gives a raw and unflinching look at life cut short, defying the conventional image of the 'tragic sick man'. Deckerm's backstory adds layers to his character, reframing his condition not just as a health issue, but also a consequence of a troubled past.

Janet McTeer’s portrayal of Hazel, a flight attendant they meet, adds a fresh dynamics to the duos interactions. Her character serves as a point of normalcy that anchors the men’s wild escapades, providing an external perspective on their imminent demise. Hazel, while initially shocked by their reckless abandonment of societal norms, grows to understand and admire their tenacity and embrace of life, mirroring the audience’s own journey through the film.

Director Robert Ellis Miller skillfully steers the narrative, maintaining the delicate balance between comedy and drama. His execution largely avoids the overindulgence of sentimentality that often creeps into films dealing with terminal illness. Instead, Hawks insists upon a celebration of life through humor, pushing the envelope with wild antics that starkly underline the protagonists’ sense of finality and desperation to reclaim their lives from the clutches of impending death.

Screenwriter Roy Clarke demonstrates his knack for infusing humor into bleak circumstances. The dialogue is witty and crisp, leading to several funny, yet touching moments throughout the film. The narrative hints at the omnipresent strain of mortality, but Clarke cleverly overlays this with comedic elements, leading to a tonal equilibrium that strikes a chord with audiences.

The cinematography of Hawks brings out the gritty and raw realism of a hospital ward, ultimately contrasting it with the vibrant, exuberant world that the protagonists carve out for themselves. The changing landscapes serve as a visual narrative about these contrasting realities, reinforcing the film's thematic undercurrents.

Hawks is not a tear-jerker but a life-affirming story that showcases the struggles to maintain dignity and control while looking death in the eye. It’s a comedy-drama tailored to viewers who are looking for a film that shatters the mold in telling stories about illness and mortality, with stellar performances by the main cast and a narrative that consistently surprises with its humor and spirit. This film blends humor with pathos, and just enough realism to keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. Expect laughter, tears, and plenty of food for thought in this well-crafted cinematic feature.