Generations in Film Part 2: Running on Empty (1988)

Join us for Part 2 of our exploration into the ways film captures the nuances of different generations. In Part 1 in 2023, historian and member David Kaiser focused on Apartment for Peggy and Wall Street. For a new introduction to the idea of generations in film focusing on the Depression and the Second World War, David suggests that you watch this 30-minute video.

Then David will introduce a discussion of Sidney Lumet's acclaimed drama Running on Empty (1988). This poignant film follows the lives of the Pope family, who have been on the run for years as former political radicals. The key generational relationships are between the Boomer parents (Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti) and their Gen X older son (the late River Phoenix, in his best role.) Members of the Silent and GI generations also play important parts in the story.

David feels that Running on Empty is one of the great American family dramas, and urges you to think about other family dramas that you have enjoyed to provide an additional basis for discussion. The movie also provides food for thought about our own relationships with our parents and children, whether we choose to discuss them or not.
All are welcome—bring your thoughts and join the conversation!

Check this link for various sources the film can be accessed online (including Kanopy): https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/running-on-empty-1988

Or check out the DVD from your local library.

If you RSVP for the discussion, the Zoom link will be visible to you on this event page.