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Distant Thunder (1988 film)

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Distant Thunder
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRick Rosenthal
Written by
  • Robert Stitzel
  • Deedee Wehle
Produced byRobert Schaffel
Starring
CinematographyRalf D. Bode
Edited byDennis Virkler
Music byMaurice Jarre
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • November 11, 1988 (1988-11-11)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$8 million
Box office$156,188

Distant Thunder is a 1988 American drama film directed by Rick Rosenthal and starring John Lithgow and Ralph Macchio.[1]

Plot

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The film tells the story of a troubled ex-Navy SEAL and Vietnam War veteran Mark Lambert (John Lithgow), who, upon returning home from the war, alienates his wife and child by deserting them and moving away into the remote wilderness of Washington state.

After 10 years of living off the land and suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, Mark decides to rejoin civilized society and finds his now teenage son Jack (Ralph Macchio), who is living in Illinois. As an estranged father and recluse, Mark quickly finds himself unprepared for the changes that he must face.

Cast

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Reception

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The film received mixed reviews from movie critics.[2] Roger Ebert commenting on this film said "Lithgow's performance is at the heart of the movie, and at the heart of his work is the way he smokes a cigarette or avoids looking anyone in the eye."[3]

Box office

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The movie was a box-office flop with a total revenue of barely $150,000 for a $8 million budget.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Easton, Nina J. (1987-03-22). "Still Shuddering at 'Distant Thunder' : Vietnam 'Bush Vets' Helped Shape Film About Soldiers' Trauma - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  2. ^ Maslin, Janet (1988-11-11). "Movie Review - Distant Thunder - Review/Film; Reunion of Veteran and Son - NYTimes.com". Movies.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  3. ^ "Distant Thunder - Reviews". Rogerebert.suntimes.com. 1988-11-11. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  4. ^ Klady, Leonard (1989-01-08). "Box Office Champs, Chumps : The hero of the bottom line was the 46-year-old 'Bambi' - Page 2 - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
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