Unstrung Heroes Movie Review 1995

Semi-autobiographical tale of Steven Lidz (Watt), growing up in 1960s California with a mother who is dying of cancer (MacDowell) and a nutty professor-type father (Turturro) who refuses to accept her illness. A desperate Steven goes to live with his two oddball uncles (Richards and Chaykin) who provide understanding and insight for the youngster, as well as a new name, Franz. Moving and quirky without being sappy, Keaton's feature debut avoids what would've been easy stereotypes. Based on the autobiography by Franz Lidz.

Distribution

Hollywood Pictures Home Video, Fairmont Bldg. 526, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91505-9842, Phone: (818)562-3560

Available on VHS
Running time 93 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Coming of Age, Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews, Death & the Afterlife, Teen Angst, Judaism

Screenplay

Richard LaGravenese

Cast

Andie MacDowell, John Turturro, Michael Richards, Maury Chaykin, Nathan Watt, Kendra Krull

Cinematography

Phedon Papamichael

Director

Diane Keaton

Music

Thomas Newman