The Indian Runner

‘The Indian Runner’, Sean Penn's debut film as a director is a brooding tale of two brothers - one peaceful and sedate, the other violent and aggressive - whose natures, left unchecked since they were children, are set to the boiling point as they head toward middle age. David Morse is the quiet brother, Joe Roberts, who is a deputy sheriff in a small town. His elder brother Frank shows up on Joe's doorsteps, after a recent run-in with the police. Frank tells Joe that he is coming back home to stay and that he has given up his criminal life. His wife Maria is sceptical, but Joe tells her that he is prepared to help Frank get his life back together. Frank has almost convinced himself that his future holds real promise and he's ready to start a new life with his pregnant girlfriend Dorothy. But, once again, Frank's violent temper explodes, and everyone's plans for Frank's future crumble into rubble.