Jacknife

{{multiple issues|April 2025}}{{Infobox film

| name = Jacknife

| image = Jacknife 1989 film.jpg

| caption = U.S. Theatrical Poster

| director = David Jones

| producer = {{ubl|Carol Baum|Robert Schaffel}}

| screenplay = Stephen Metcalfe

| based_on = {{Based on|Strange Snow
1982 play|Stephen Metcalfe}}

| starring = {{Plainlist|

| music = Bruce Broughton

| cinematography = Brian West

| editing = John Bloom

| studio = Kings Road Entertainment

| distributor = {{Plainlist|

Cineplex Odeon Films (North America)
Vestron Pictures (International){{cite web|title=Jacknife (1989)|website=BBFC|access-date=21 October 2021|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/jacknife-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmjawndg}}

}}

| released = {{film date|1989|3|10}}

| runtime = 102 minutes

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $10 million{{cite web | url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/58123-JACKNIFE | title=AFI|Catalog }}

| gross = $2,049,769

}}

Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. The film focuses on a complex tension between people in a close family relationship. Stephen Metcalfe, on whose play Strange Snow (1982) the film is based, wrote the screenplay. Harris was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.

Plot

Joseph Megessey (known to most as "Megs") is a Vietnam War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and who is having trouble integrating with society. He finds Dave, a fellow veteran who has become an alcoholic, and attempts to bring him out of his depression by encouraging him to enjoy life again, as well as urging him to face some of his darker memories.

Megs is attracted to Dave's sister Martha, who lives with Dave and looks after him. Megs and Martha fall in love, much to Dave's disapproval. Dave eventually vents his anger and frustration at a high-school prom at which Martha is a chaperone who is accompanied by Megs. This leads Dave to finally face his demons and acknowledge Megs and Martha for being there for him. Afterward, despite initially ending what was a promising romance, Megs returns to Martha.

Cast

Robert De Niro as Joseph "Megs" Megessey
Ed Harris as Dave
Kathy Baker as Martha
Sloane Shelton as Shirley
Ivar Brogger as Depot Mechanic
Michael Arkin as Dispatcher
Tom Isbell as Bobby Buckman
Kirk Taylor as Helicopter Gunner
Jordan Lund as Tiny
Tom Rack as William Green
Charles S. Dutton as Jake, Veteran Encounter Group Leader (as Charles Dutton)
Bruce Ramsay as Corridor Student
Jessalyn Gilsig as His Girlfriend
George Gerdes as Tony
Josh Pais as Rick
Loudon Wainwright III as Ferretti
Walter Massey as Ed Buckman
Elizabeth Franz as Pru Buckman

Production

The movie was filmed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as well as several Connecticut locations, including Meriden, Wallingford, Newington, New Britain and Newtown.{{Cite book |last=Douglas |first=Illeana |title=Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia |date=2023 |publisher=Globe Pequot Press, The |isbn=978-1-4930-8088-5 |edition=1st |location=Blue Ridge Summit |pages=145–146}}