Orphans (1987 film)

Orphans is a 1987 American drama film directed by Alan J. Pakula. Written by Lyle Kessler, based on his 1983 play of the same name, the film follows two orphaned brothers (Matthew Modine and Kevin Anderson) as they navigate life on their own.

Orphans
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlan J. Pakula
Produced byAlan J. Pakula
Susan Solt
Written byLyle Kessler
Based onOrphans by Lyle Kessler
Starring
Music byMichael Small
CinematographyDonald McAlpine
Edited byEvan A. Lottman
Distributed byLorimar Motion Pictures
Release date
  • September 18, 1987 (1987-09-18)
Running time
115 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$15 million
Box office$252,430

Plot

Treat (Matthew Modine) and Phillip (Kevin Anderson) are two brothers living alone in a rundown North Philadelphia row house. Treat, the elder, is a violent pickpocket who spends the day robbing people in order to provide for himself and Phillip. Meanwhile, at home, Phillip tries to educate himself via words in magazines and watching TV.

Treat kidnaps a mysterious man from a bar, with a briefcase full of stocks and bonds. Known as Harold (Albert Finney), he turns the tables on his abductor and begins to assimilate himself into the brothers' lives, turning Treat into a gentleman and giving Phillip the encouragement he needs.

But there are people who have picked up on Harold's disappearance. As Harold helps Phillip overcome his agoraphobia (Treat has him under the influence that he will die upon contact with the outside world), tensions begin to run high in the household.

One night, after an argument between the brothers, Harold returns and is revealed to have been fatally wounded. He dies on the couch, with Phillip by his side. Treat breaks down in tears, and Phillip comforts him.

Cast

Critical reception

Vincent Canby of the New York Times enjoyed the film:

Mr. Pakula's achievement is in making a film that's simultaneously theatrical and cinematic. Orphans honors both worlds.[1]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it two and a half stars out of four and had this to say:

Orphans is a good play about behavior that has been turned into a mediocre movie about nothing much at all.[2]

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References
  1. Canby, Vincent (18 September 1987). "Film: 'Orphans,' Based on the Play". The New York Times.
  2. "Orphans :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews". Rogerebert.suntimes.com. 25 September 1987. Retrieved 11 December 2012.

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