Hero (1992 film)

Last updated
Hero
Hero1992poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Stephen Frears
Screenplay by David Webb Peoples
Story by
Produced byLaura Ziskin
Starring
Cinematography Oliver Stapleton
Edited by Mick Audsley
Music by George Fenton
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date
  • October 2, 1992 (1992-10-02)
Running time
112 minutes [1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$42 million [2]
Box office$67 million [2]

Hero (released in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Australia as Accidental Hero) is a 1992 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Frears. It was written by David Webb Peoples, from a story written by Peoples, Laura Ziskin and Alvin Sargent, and stars Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, Andy García and Joan Cusack. Following the critically acclaimed The Grifters (1990), it was the second American feature film by British filmmaker Frears.

Contents

Plot

Bernie LaPlante is a pickpocket and petty criminal who anonymously rescues survivors, including TV reporter Gale Gayley, at an airplane crash. At the same time, he also steals her purse, losing a shoe in the process. After his car breaks down, he flags down John Bubber, a homeless Vietnam War veteran, and tells him about the rescue at the crash site, giving him his remaining shoe. When Deke, Gale's television station news director, offers $1 million to the "Angel of Flight 104", Bernie realizes he can't claim the reward, due to his arrest while fencing credit cards he stole from the people he rescued. John contacts Gale, recounting Bernie's tale of the rescue, and provides the single shoe to take credit for the selfless act.

When Bernie tries to tell people that John is a fake, the media, after sensationalizing his heroic image, will not believe Bernie. Bernie is released from jail, and his lawyer informs him that he will be heading to prison soon because of the stolen goods he carried in his apartment. Gale, as one of the crash survivors, considers herself to be in John's debt, and soon grooms his public image. She finds herself falling in love with him, even though she has questions about his authenticity. Despite his reluctant acceptance of his fame, he turns out to be a decent person, using his fame and reward money to help sick children and the homeless.

John finds himself in an ethical dilemma, as his persona is inspirational to countless people. Meanwhile, Bernie continues to aggravate his ex-wife Evelyn, and fails to bond with his son Joey, who is now enamored with John. He begins to feel that if Joey is going to idolize anyone, perhaps John is the better choice.

A police detective tells Gale her credit cards were recovered during Bernie's arrest. She and her cameraman Chucky break into Bernie's apartment with the help of Winston, the landlord. While searching for evidence to incriminate Bernie, Gale finds a stolen Silver Microphone Award she won in New York City, the night before the crash. Bernie arrives, only to be confronted by her, as she speculates that John stole her purse in a moment of weakness during the rescue, sold it to Bernie, and accuses him of attempting to now blackmail John. They are interrupted by Winston, who says John is on television, about to commit suicide by jumping from the ledge of a high-rise skyscraper.

Gale rushes to the scene and brings Bernie along, threatening to have him prosecuted if John leaps to his death. She demands Bernie apologize for the attempted blackmail. Evelyn and Joey rush there as well, with Evelyn reminiscing how Bernie is selfish and cynical, but always becomes a great person in a crisis. Bernie goes out on the ledge, hatching a scheme to milk the media attention for all its worth. He convinces John that the world needs a hero, and that he is clearly the right one for the job, although he does negotiate a discreet share of the $1 million to pay for his son's college tuition, as well as a letter to the judge to put in a good word for him to suspend his prison sentence. When Bernie slips off the ledge, John grabs him and pulls him to safety, a (true) hero once more. When Gale sees Bernie's face covered with dirt, as on the night of the crash, she realizes it was he who saved her. She confronts him "off the record" with her supposition, but he insists that John was the hero.

As Gale leaves, she thanks Bernie for saving her life. He reflexively replies, "You're welcome." She tells him to tell Joey the truth. John agrees to continue playing the part of public hero. While on an excursion to the zoo, Bernie decides to tell Joey the true story of the crash. After he does so, a lady cries out that her daughter has fallen into the lion's cage. Joey pleads with him to help, to which he sighs, slips off his shoes, and heads off to see what he can do.

Cast

Several prominent performers appear uncredited. Joan Cusack's sister, Susie Cusack, appears as public defender Donna O'Day. Edward Herrmann appears as Mr. Broadman, a suicide victim. Jeff Garlin appears as a news vendor. Fisher Stevens appears as a Channel 4 director. [3]

Production

The pivotal scene in the film involved an airliner crashing with 54 passengers and crew trapped aboard. Screen shot Hero.png
The pivotal scene in the film involved an airliner crashing with 54 passengers and crew trapped aboard.

Principal photography on the film began shooting October 30, 1991, in Chicago with studio work at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, and Los Angeles, California, along with the crash scene on-location in Piru, California. [5] Filming wrapped March 20, 1992. [6]

The colossal staging of a crashed Boeing 727 airplane in December 1991 involved creating a complete location set in Piru, California. [7] The derelict fuselage was blown up over a bridge and a recreated river and river bed. After the failure of the first explosion, a second rigged explosive realistically recreated the crash scene in which the plane is torn apart. [5]

Influences

Hail the Conquering Hero is a film with a similar theme by Preston Sturges. Many reviewers referred to the obvious similarities between Hero and Sturges's screwball comedies. [8] The classic Frank Capra film Meet John Doe was also cited as a model for Laura Ziskin, who both produced and supplied the story for Hero. [9]

Reception

Box office

In the United States and Canada, the film grossed $19.5 million. [10] Internationally, it grossed $47 million, [11] for a worldwide total of $67 million. Columbia lost $25.6 million on the film. [12]

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 67% rating, based on 21 reviews. [13] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 61 out of 100, based on reviews from 25 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [14] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an "A−" on a scale of A+ to F. [15]

Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Haphazard and erratic, involving only in fits and starts, Hero's core is nevertheless so shrewdly and gleefully cynical about public heroism and the cult of celebrity it is impossible not to be at least sporadically amused and entertained." [9]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times noted, "It has all the ingredients for a terrific entertainment, but it lingers over the kinds of details that belong in a different kind of movie. It comes out of the tradition of those rat-a-tat Preston Sturges comedies of the 1940s, and when Chevy Chase, as a wise-guy TV boss, barks orders into a phone, it finds the right note." [16]

Desson Howe of The Washington Post said, "If a hero is one who perseveres and never gives up, this is one 'Hero' that should have quit when it was ahead." [4]

Home media

The film debuted at number 3 in the U.S. home media market. [17] It was released on VHS April 15, 1993. Another version presented in widescreen was also released on VHS.

A DVD was released May 25, 1999, and was re-released in 2004 by Sony Pictures. Special features for the 1999 DVD (but not the 2004 release) included liner notes and theatrical trailers. The 1999 DVD was also a double-sided disc, presented in widescreen (side A) and fullscreen (side B). The only special feature for the 2004 DVD includes theatrical trailers, and was presented only in fullscreen. Mill Creek Entertainment had recently picked up the DVD distribution rights for the film.

The DVD was released again in 2012. Unlike the first two DVD releases by Sony, this one includes no special features, and is presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1:85. [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Sullivans Travels</i> 1941 film by Preston Sturges

Sullivan's Travels is a 1941 American comedy film written and directed by Preston Sturges. A satire on the film industry, it follows a famous Hollywood comedy director who, longing to make a socially relevant drama, sets out to live as a tramp to gain life experience for his forthcoming film. Along the way he unites with a poor aspiring actress who accompanies him. The title is a reference to Gulliver's Travels, the 1726 novel by satirist Jonathan Swift about another journey of self-discovery.

<i>The Fisher King</i> 1991 film by Terry Gilliam

The Fisher King is a 1991 American fantasy comedy-drama film written by Richard LaGravenese and directed by Terry Gilliam. Starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges, with Mercedes Ruehl, Amanda Plummer, and Michael Jeter in supporting roles, the film tells the story of a radio shock jock who tries to find redemption by helping a man whose life he inadvertently shattered. It explores "the intermingling of New York City's usually strictly separated social strata" and has been described as "a modern-day Grail Quest that fused New York romantic comedy with timeless fantasy".

<i>Back to the Future Part II</i> 1989 film by Robert Zemeckis

Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 American science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis from a screenplay by Bob Gale; both wrote the story. It is the sequel to the 1985 film Back to the Future and the second installment in the Back to the Future franchise. The film stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Thomas F. Wilson with Elisabeth Shue, and Jeffrey Weissman in supporting roles. It follows Marty McFly (Fox) and his friend Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (Lloyd) as they travel from 1985 to 2015 to prevent Marty's son from sabotaging the McFly family's future. When their arch-nemesis Biff Tannen (Wilson) steals Doc's DeLorean time machine and uses it to alter history for his benefit, the duo must return to 1955 to restore the timeline.

<i>Multiplicity</i> (film) 1996 film by Harold Ramis

Multiplicity is a 1996 American science fiction comedy film starring Michael Keaton and Andie MacDowell about a man able to duplicate himself by machine, each duplicate developing a different personality, causing problems. It was based on Chris Miller's short story "Multiplicity", published in National Lampoon magazine, Spring 1993. The film was co-produced and directed by Harold Ramis. The original music score was composed by George Fenton.

<i>The Mummy Returns</i> 2001 American action adventure film

The Mummy Returns is a 2001 American adventure horror film written and directed by Stephen Sommers, starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, Patricia Velásquez, Freddie Boath, Alun Armstrong, and Dwayne Johnson in his film acting debut. The film is a sequel to the 1999 film The Mummy and was distributed by Universal Pictures.

<i>Easy Living</i> (1937 film) 1937 film by Mitchell Leisen

Easy Living is a 1937 American screwball comedy film, directed by Mitchell Leisen, written by Preston Sturges from a story by Vera Caspary, and starring Jean Arthur, Edward Arnold, and Ray Milland. Many of the supporting players became a major part of Sturges' regular stock company of character actors in his subsequent films.

<i>The Journey of Natty Gann</i> 1985 film by Jeremy Kagan

The Journey of Natty Gann is a 1985 American adventure film directed by Jeremy Paul Kagan, produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released by Buena Vista Distribution. The film introduced Meredith Salenger and also starred John Cusack, Lainie Kazan and Ray Wise.

<i>Harum Scarum</i> (film) 1965 film by Gene Nelson

Harum Scarum is a 1965 American musical comedy film starring Elvis Presley. It was shot on the original Cecil B. DeMille set from the film The King of Kings, with additional footage shot on location at the Iverson Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. Some of the film was based on Rudolph Valentino's 1921 movie The Sheik.

<i>Must Love Dogs</i> 2005 romantic comedy movie directed by Gary David Goldberg

Must Love Dogs is a 2005 American romantic comedy film based on Claire Cook's 2002 novel of the same name. Starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, it is the second film directed and written by Gary David Goldberg and was produced on a budget of $30 million. The film focuses on a woman's struggle with divorce and meeting new people afterward.

<i>Hail the Conquering Hero</i> 1944 film by Preston Sturges

Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) is a satirical comedy-drama film written and directed by Preston Sturges, starring Eddie Bracken, Ella Raines and William Demarest, and featuring Raymond Walburn, Franklin Pangborn, Elizabeth Patterson, Bill Edwards and Freddie Steele.

<i>Money for Nothing</i> (1993 film) 1993 film by Ramón Menéndez

Money for Nothing is a 1993 American biographical comedy crime film directed by Ramón Menéndez, and written by Menéndez, Tom Musca and Carol Sobieski, based on the 1986 Philadelphia Inquirer article "Finders Keepers" by Mark Bowden. The film stars John Cusack in the leading role, with a supporting cast that includes Michael Madsen, Debi Mazar, Benicio del Toro, Maury Chaykin, Michael Rapaport, James Gandolfini, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Fionnula Flanagan.

<i>Man of the House</i> (1995 film) 1995 film directed by James Orr

Man of the House is a 1995 American comedy film starring Chevy Chase, Farrah Fawcett, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas. The film is about a boy (Thomas) who must come to terms with his potential stepfather (Chase), a well meaning lawyer who is unknowingly the subject of a manhunt by relatives of a man he helped land in prison. It was shot in Los Angeles, California and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

<i>Captain America</i> (1990 film) 1990 superhero film directed by Albert Pyun

Captain America is a 1990 American superhero film directed by Albert Pyun and written by Stephen Tolkin and Lawrence J. Block. The film is based on the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. While the film takes several liberties with the comic's storyline, it features Steve Rogers becoming Captain America during World War II to battle the Red Skull, being frozen in ice, and subsequently being revived to save the President of the United States from a crime family that dislikes his environmentalist policies.

<i>1408</i> (film) 2007 film by Mikael Håfström

1408 is a 2007 American psychological horror film based on Stephen King's 1999 short story of the same name. It stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, was directed by Mikael Håfström and released in the United States on June 22, 2007.

<i>The War Between Men and Women</i> 1972 film by Melville Shavelson

The War Between Men and Women is a 1972 American comedy-drama film directed by Melville Shavelson and starring Jack Lemmon, Barbara Harris, and Jason Robards. The film is based on the writings of humorist James Thurber, and was released by Cinema Center Films. It features animated cartoons interspersed in the story based on Thurber's works. Shavelson was creator of the 1969 Thurber-based television series My World and Welcome to It. The screenplay is by Shavelson and by Danny Arnold, who also worked on the 1969 series. Lisa Gerritsen, who plays Linda Kozlenko in the film, previously co-starred in My World and Welcome to It as Lydia Monroe.

<i>Diamond Jim</i> 1935 film

Diamond Jim is a 1935 biographical film based on the published biography Diamond Jim Brady by Parker Morell. It follows the life of legendary entrepreneur James Buchanan Brady, including his romance with entertainer Lillian Russell, and stars Edward Arnold, Jean Arthur, Cesar Romero and Binnie Barnes.

<i>Chains of Gold</i> American TV series or program

Chains of Gold is a 1991 American made-for-television crime drama film starring and co-written by John Travolta. It was directed by Rod Holcomb and included one of the early performances of Joey Lawrence, who was nominated for Young Artist Award for his role in the movie.

<i>Adult World</i> 2013 comedy-drama featuring Emma Roberts and John Cusack

Adult World is a 2013 American comedy-drama film directed by Scott Coffey and written by Andy Cochran. The film stars Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, and John Cusack. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18, 2013, and was released to select theaters and through video on demand on February 14, 2014, by IFC Films.

<i>She Devil</i> (1957 film) 1957 film by Kurt Neumann

She Devil is a 1957 American widescreen science fiction horror film, shot in RegalScope, from Regal Films, that was produced, written, and directed by Kurt Neumann. The film stars Mari Blanchard, Jack Kelly, and Albert Dekker and was theatrically released by 20th Century-Fox on a double bill with Regal's Kronos.

<i>The Prince</i> (2014 film) 2014 American film

The Prince is a 2014 American action thriller film directed by Brian A. Miller. It stars Jason Patric, Bruce Willis, John Cusack, and Rain. The film received a VOD and theatrical release by Lionsgate on August 22, 2014.

References

  1. ↑ Hero at the American Film Institute Catalog
  2. 1 2 "Hero (1992)." The Numbers. Retrieved: January 17, 2017
  3. 1 2 "Full cast & crew: Hero (1992)". IMDb. Retrieved: November 23, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Howe, Desson. "Hero". Washington Post , October 2, 1992. Retrieved: November 22, 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 Fretts, Bruce. "Staging 'Hero''s plane crash." Entertainment, October 2, 1992. Retrieved: January 16, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Misc Notes: Hero (1992). Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved: November 22, 2014.
  7. ↑ Beck 2016, p. 258.
  8. ↑ Jesse Hassenger (2015). "A Dustin Hoffman flop revives the spirit of Frank Capra". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  9. 1 2 Turan, Kenneth (2 October 1992). "MOVIE REVIEW : A Reluctant 'Hero'". Los Angeles Times .
  10. ↑ Hero at Box Office Mojo
  11. ↑ Klady, Leonard (January 3, 1994). "Int'l top 100 earn $8 bil". Variety . p. 1.
  12. ↑ Griffin and Masters 1996, p. 345.
  13. ↑ "Hero". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved: November 22, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Hero". Metacritic .
  15. ↑ "HERO (1992) A-". CinemaScore . Archived from the original on 2018-12-20.
  16. ↑ Ebert, Roger. "Hero". RogerEbert.com , October 2, 1992. Retrieved: November 22, 2014.
  17. ↑ Hunt, Dennis. "National Video Rentals: Star Power Pushes 'Hero' Up Chart." The Los Angeles Times, May 14, 1993. Retrieved: January 1, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Accidental Hero". dvd.net.au. Retrieved: November 23, 2014.

Bibliography

  • Beck, Simon. The Aircraft-Spotter's Film and Television Companion. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co. Inc. Publishing, 2016. ISBN   978-1-4766-6349-4.
  • Griffin, Nancy and Kim Masters. Hit and Run. New York: Touchstone, a Simon & Schuster company, 1996. ISBN   978-0-68483-266-1.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.