Signs of Life (1989)

In one sense, "Signs of Life" is a fantasy, full of vibrant photography and off-center characterizations. But it is also grounded in a dramatic sense, with a collection of fantastic actors all providing convincing performances. Aging shipbuilder Owen Coughlin (Arthur Kennedy) is the central focus of the ensemble cast. Every character, regardless of minimal screen-time, feels perfectly fleshed out. It was a real pleasure to watch Vincent D'Onofrio, Beau Bridges and Mary-Louise Parker especially."Signs of Life" is a collection of individual short stories, all weaving together to make a surprisingly coherent whole. Mark Malone's script is brilliant in how it manages this without losing interest. But it's entirely possible that an even better film could exist based solely around the Kennedy character. The dialogue really lets you get under the skin to the real human sides of these people. Two elements of the production stand out specifically well. The soundtrack by Howard Shore is understated and engaging. Elliot Davis photographs the film perfectly, using color and light in fascinating and revelatory ways scene after scene. And the direction by John David Coles is also good, giving the right balance to both fantasy and reality.There's always more than enough to keep the viewer interested, fascinating, and entertained. Something about "Signs of Life" really moved me. I hope it will do the same for you.

As with so many modern US films, there has to be a supernatural element to the plot, but if you just let that go, this is a tale with heaps of charm and a kindly heart cased in a crab shell.We are presented with a scene of a town in an economically depressed area struggling to find anything to be happy about. Beau Bridges' character is really up against it with a family on the increase, a nil bank balance and a brother-in-law who's sold out to a big business chain which he secretly hates, but in which he is willing to rub Beau's nose. D'Onofrio finds his rather surface Bubba lifestyle cramped by having to look after his 'blessed' baby brother, Joey, and is itching to escape the shackles of this dead hick town. Their boss's business is closing down (much against his will) because of a lack of new customers and he is haunted by memories of his father as he builds up the tension towards his own attempt at self-destruction.Joey, who had seemed to personify the curse on their lives, is lost at sea - believed drowned - in a freak accident. His miraculous restoration to them by the Portuguese trawlermen whose boat they had just built and launched (perhaps symbolic of an angelic crew), is the sign they've been waiting for and they all decide to give life one last throw of the dice.There is a beautiful brooding mood throughout this work which excelled in holding our attention as brilliantly as 'The Shipping News'. There are other parallels with the later work, too, which lead one to suspect a touch of a remake. I like 'Signs of Life' for its simpler, less contrived story and star performances from actors working at their craft rather than to be noticed as stars.

I saw this movie on PBS the first time. Then I bought the video and watched it countless times. Every time I watch it, I can get something else out of it. It's a real testament to wanting to hold onto a life that was good, but now the world is changing. But you don't have to be older to hold onto the past, even the young characters, like Charlotte don't want things to change. The overall tone and mood is excellent. The cast is outstanding with all-stars like Kathy Bates, Beau Bridges and Arthur Kennedy. And its fun to see the upcoming stars before they hit more recognizable feature films, like Kevin J. O'Connor (The Mummy) and Vincent D'Onofrio (Men in Black and Law & Order: Criminal Intent-one of my favorite shows). Its just one of those movies that stays with you.

I first saw "Signs of Life" on PBS as an American Playhouse presentation. It's a wonderfully written, ensemble production with terrific performances by Michael Lewis as Joey and Vincent D'Onofrio as his brother, Daryl. Arthur Kennedy, in one of his last roles, is also excellent as an aging shipbuilder whose family business is about to close. The rest of the cast which includes Beau Bridges, Kathy Bates and Mary-Louise Parker give remarkable clarity and substance to their characters.The direction is subtle and effective. I've watched this movie several times over the years and would very much recommend it. A beautiful piece of filmmaking.