Watch Love Field
- PG-13
- 1993
- 1 hr 42 min
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6.5 (4,169)
Love Field is a 1992 drama film directed by Jonathan Kaplan, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Dennis Haysbert, and Stephanie McFadden. The story of the film is set in November 1963 and revolves around a woman named Lurene Hallett, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who embarks on a road trip to attend the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. The film is a character-driven drama that explores the themes of race, class, and personal redemption against the backdrop of a historical moment that shook America to its core. Lurene Hallett is a Dallas housewife with a simple life, a loyal husband, and a young son. Her world is turned upside down after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which she watches on TV with her son. Moved deeply by the tragedy, she decides to attend the funeral in Dallas, even though her conservative husband objects. Lurene, who is from a small town in New Mexico, has never been to Dallas before and is unprepared for the tumultuous events that unfold during her journey. As Lurene boards a Greyhound bus to Dallas, she meets a young African American man named Paul Cater, played by Dennis Haysbert. Paul is a kind and gentle soul who is on his way to his childhood home in the Dallas ghetto. Despite the initial tension between them, Lurene and Paul form a close bond during their journey, as they exchange stories and share their personal struggles. Paul opens up to Lurene about his dreams of becoming a singer and his experiences of racial discrimination, while Lurene confides in Paul about her troubled past and her desire for a better life. As they arrive in Dallas, Lurene and Paul find themselves in the midst of the chaos and grief that has engulfed the city after the assassination. The streets are filled with mourners, rioters, and police officers, and tensions are running high between the black and white communities. Lurene's journey takes a dramatic turn when she witnesses a violent incident involving Paul and a white police officer. Fearing for her safety and Paul's, Lurene decides to take him to her hotel room, which sets off a chain of events that forces her to confront her own biases and prejudices. The film is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the social and cultural dynamics of the South in the 1960s. It examines the complex relationships that exist between people of different races and classes, and the different ways in which they cope with grief and tragedy. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a remarkable performance as Lurene, depicting her character's transformation from a simple housewife to a courageous and compassionate woman who learns to see beyond her own privilege and prejudices. Her chemistry with Dennis Haysbert is palpable and intimate, capturing the warmth and intimacy of a genuine friendship. Stephanie McFadden is also outstanding in her role as Marlene, Lurene's sister-in-law, who represents the narrow-mindedness and conservatism of the South. Her confrontations with Lurene are powerful and dramatic, highlighting the different ways in which people cope with tragedy and adversity. Overall, Love Field is a poignant and powerful film that explores the themes of race, class, and personal redemption in a historical context. It is a character-driven drama that offers a deep insight into the human condition and the challenges of overcoming our biases and prejudices. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, social justice, and the power of human connection.