Aurora Borealis

Plot synopsis:
Ever since the death of his father, 25-year-old Minneapolis-born-and-bred Duncan Shorter (Joshua Jackson) is content with shuffling aimlessly through life ditching one dead-end job after another. His brother, big-shot Jake (Steven Pasquale) uses his appartment sometimes, to meet with Sandy, (Katie Griffin), his lover, cheating on his wife Cara (Krista Bridges). Dunc asks his friend Finn (Tyler Lavine) to give him a job, but he doesn't trust him at all.Things change when Duncan takes a job near his ill grandfather Ronald (Donald Sutherland) and his grandmother Ruth (Louise Fletcher). Duncan starts working as a maintenance odd-jobs man.Ronald suffers from Parkinson and Alhzeimer. Duncan starts dating caregiver Kate (Juliette Lewis). They three laugh about the name of the President of the day. In one moment of excitement, when Ruth is trying to play Ronald a magic trick, he smashes everything with a hammer.Kate takes Dunc to work and they chat. Later on, they go to a rock concert. Dunc also meets his gang of friends. Hack (Timm Sharp) is going to pretend to be a native-American Indian so that he can shag more women.Next, Dunc and Jake go hunting deer, but the former keeps on missing on purpose.Ronald has got a shotgun, but no ammunition. He asks Dunc to help him commit suicide.At work, Mrs Hollerich (Joyce Champion) a crazy lady who dislikes black people wants Dunc to do some errands for her instead of his boss, (Mark Andrada). She also has the obsession of thinking that everybody steals things from her.All the family and Kate spend Thanksgiving at the home of Jake Shorter, with Jake, his wife and two daughters. They have a little row because Ronald says he can see the Northern lights.Kate and Dunc's relationship is going well. They go snow-sliding with his school friens. Later, Kate gets annoyed with Dunc because he doesn't take seriously the possibility of becoming an engineer. Kate has the possibility of staying at San Diego at a nice mansion close to the sea for a year. Kate wants Dunc to go with her.Mrs Hollerich sees some little private property of hers among Dunc's staff at work. His boss says that, is she complains, Dunc will have to quit.At his grandparents' Dunc puts a bullet inside the shotgun. Ronald is eager to do it, but Dunc avoids it in a last-second decision. Ronald gets angry, and suffers a heart attack.After the funeral, Jake and Dunc share the latter's flat, because Cara has finally got wind of his affair with Sandy and threw him out of the house.After having received a postcard from San Diego with Kate's address on it, Duncan finally decides to grow up and make all the way down to where she lives. While he is waiting at the petrol station for his car to be mended, he asks Stu (John Kapelos) if his father has died of an overdose. Stu and Dunc's father were best buddies, although both used to be addicted to drugs. Both had quitted, and both were hanging out together when Stu's father died. Stu tells him that his father han't started taking drugs again. It was a weird accident. He left when Stu and other people were taking drugs, so that he wouldn't follow them.The first thing Dunc tells Kate when he arrives at sunny San Diego is that he has been accepted at San Diego's university.They kiss.

Tags: suicidal

Review:
i caught this at Tribeca 2005 and i was not expecting what i got - a realistic portrayal of a family in a drama film which wasn't melodramatic or preachy.
instead of distilling the personalities down to identifiable quirks, the cast and crew of aurora tackled the near impossible task of fully fleshing out the majority of the film's characters.
This cast is absolutely perfect, from Juliette Lewis' free spirit, to Louise Fletcher's supportive, but somewhat helpless grandmother, to an absolute, don't-miss-this Oscar performance by Donald Sutherland as the aging grandfather whose illness is getting the best of him.
Roger Ebert & Richard Roeper have talked about their hope Sutherland gets another good role, because he's such a fine actor.
This is the role, this is the year, and I hope the world discovers this little gem of a movie in the glut of big studio releases and marketing.
A wonderful film about life and family....
The performances were subtle yet perfectly spot on, with the standouts being Joshua Jackson and Donald Sutherland.
This is a true leading man role for Jackson, and takes him beyond just being "Pacey" into being a great, adult actor.
Donald Sutherland is also a revelation, and their acting chemistry is fantastic.The film isn't manipulative or preachy, it just tells a story and tells it well and manages to make you care about every single character, which is quite an accomplishment.
This is James Burke's first film, and I hope he makes many more because he is a talent.
He also was able to balance the humor of the script with the pathos, and never make it feel forced.If you like films about real characters and real emotions, you should see this movie -- you won't be disappointed..
Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher are extraordinary as the grandparents.
Personally I think it's the best thing I've seen Josh Jackson do, and I plan to buy the soundtrack if it gets released.
The director is James Burke - I've not seen any of the other movies he directed but he's really good.
As good as Joshua Jackson performed, Donald Sutherland turned in one of the best performances by any actor.
Sweet surprise at Tri Be Ca. While at the Tri Be Ca Film Festival last week, I luckily happened into a screening of "Aurora Borealis" and left the theatre in tears and awe by the sheer range of humanity expressed in this film.
When the movie ended I was upset because I wanted to keep following the life of Duncan.
A good soul, but without direction since his dad died mysteriously ten years earlier and no mother in the picture, Josh Jackson plays a young man trying to find himself as he floats from job to job until finds work in his grandparents' apartment building as an assistant to the super.
There he befriends the residents of this "retirement" home and finds himself deeply entwined with the life struggle of his ailing, Alzheimer's afflicted grandfather, played brilliantly by Donald Sutherland.
Jackson's character is seen as a failure by his financially successful, but fidelity-challenged brother and by his boyhood buddies with the usual jobs of twenty-somethings.
The direction and photography are beautiful with wonderful shots of Minneapolis/St. Paul and the film moves with a perfect pace.
AURORA BOREALIS is a superb film by James Burke ('In Dark Places' and 'Tis a Gift to Be Simple') from a story by Brent Boyd ('The Green Room' and 'Crazy') and if this film is a sample of how these two fine talents collaborate, we can only hope for more.
The cast assembled for this movie gives evidence that the actors deeply admire their vision: it is well deserved.The setting is winter in Minneapolis, the hometown of the Shorter family: Grandfather Ronald (Donald Sutherland), Grandmother Ruth (Louise Fletcher), and the two grandsons Duncan (Joshua Jackson) and Jacob (Steven Pasquale).
The boys' father died at age 39 (10 years prior to the opening of the story) and both boys grew up on their own, feeling deserted by a father who had been a cocaine abuser at one time.
Duncan cares for his grandfather Ronald who has multiple illnesses (Parkinson's Disease, dementia) yet who maintains a humble life with Ruth.
As Ronald's condition deteriorates, Duncan takes a handyman's job in the complex where his grandparents live and during this time the two men bond more closely than ever: Ronald's fading mind sees northern lights from his apartment window and Duncan out of love and growing understanding lets him believe they are real.
Ronald is aware of his mental instability and lets Duncan know that he would like to take his life with a shotgun, an idea Duncan prevents.Ronald and Ruth have a health care provider Kate (Juliette Lewis) whom they trust and love and encourage Duncan to seek out as a partner.
But as Duncan's resistance is broken down (he learns from a mentor that his father did not die of cocaine abuse, Ronald dies a natural death, etc), he views Kate as the person who can alter his outlook and his life.Every member of this cast is extraordinary: Donald Sutherland creates a man eaten by Parkinson's Disease and dementia without ever becoming a caricature, Louise Fletcher reminds us how self-effacing her acting has always been, Juliette Lewis turns in one of her most sensitive roles, and Joshua Jackson finds every nuance of the troubled but needy Duncan and engages our empathy.
Moving story about a man trying to deal with his life and his family.
Directed by James Burke, the film is about unemployable Duncan Shorter (played by Joshua Jackson, making an impressive break from his usual teen and college aimed roles) who gets a new job as a handyman so he can be near his grandparents Ronald and Ruth (Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher).
Juliette Lewis plays Kate, the home assistant of the grandparents, helping Ronald deal with his Alzheimer's disease.
Set in the winter of Minnesota, the film is a touching story about a man trying to cope with the death of his father and trying to break free from his fears of the past, present, and future.I really enjoyed this movie, the acting was wonderful.
Donald Sutherland gives a heartbreaking performance as the deteriorating grandfather, it's not over the top, it's just true and believable, proving again why he is one of the greatest actors working today.
It's nice to see Louise Fletcher in this giving another one of her great role, even if she doesn't get much screen time.
And I really enjoyed Joshua Jackson, this is the first adult role I've seen him play and was very impressed.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Jackson's future roles, now that I know he has this kind of range.Overall, it was a nice film, worth watching just for the performances.
I missed out on a lot; however, this movie has been an experience for me that has not been taken lightly and will perhaps stay with me for a very long time (maybe the rest of my life).
I want to thank the cast for choosing such a lovely movie and to open the eyes and hearts to those of use who are so far removed from the elderly/disabled/sick population that are so often neglected..
The film tells the story of Duncan Shorter, a young twenty-something with poor work ethic, an underlying affliction, and an ill-conceived perception of life.
Joshua Jackson or better known as "Pacey" portrays the young passive Duncan.
From adulterous brother that uses his apartment to his unsupportive circle of friends, Duncan is in no way progressing or moving forward to a dissimilar lifestyle that is destined to take over.
The only sanctity of his life is his grandparents, Ronald and Ruth played exquisitely by Donald Sutherland and Oscar winner, Louise Fletcher.
Duncan must now face not only the choice of losing another family member but past demons that surface throughout the film.
When Duncan meets the nurse of his grandfather, Kate (Juliette Lewis) we see Duncan's world start to be challenged for the first time.
Joshua Jackson breaks away from his television-type personality and gives a befitting performance.
Since her Oscar Win for 1975's "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" she's been missed from the silver screen with exceptions of cameos in "Cruel Intentions" and "A Map of the World." Ruth is the champion of the family with her constant understanding of Duncan's insecurities, pain and misguided life to loyalty, passion and care for her feeble husband.
The standout of the cast is coming from the too often ignored and phenomenal veteran actor, Donald Sutherland; who is just waiting for that little bit of buzz to hurtle him into serious contention for a supporting bid from critics.
The courage that Sutherland shows in his character is just cutthroat fire of the film.
it could be the film of Kiefer Sutherland who does a magnificent role but it is a sort of question about the values of spectator.
it could be the film of Joshua Jackson who becomes more than a nice promise but it is more.
Joshua Jackson does great, he reminded me of Dawson's Creek which is way before my time, but I did watch it often on reruns during the summer.
Donald Sutherland's acting as one with a disease is perfect, he deserves more recognition.
It's a gem that should have more followers.The story is about a young man who lost his way after the death of his father.
He soon meets a girl and things begin to shed light on how much hes wasted his life.Enjoy this movie, there are rarely any like it, it takes a chance and it works beautifully.
"Aurora Borealis" is a well-written film, but slightly clichéd.The plot: Duncan (Jackson) is always getting in trouble and is always unemployed.
His new job is to take care of his grandfather, Ronald (Sutherland) who has Parkinson's.
But Duncan doesn't want to leave his family.The main draw of the movie is the excellent acting by all.
Because of that, it feels clichéd.But overall, "Aurora Borealis" is worth watching for the acting.For more insanity, check out: comeuppancereviews.com.
Donald Sutherland captures the essence of someone with dementia - anyone who has had a grandparent with these diseases can relate to this movie.
All of the characters pulled you into the story - if you left the theater untouched by this film, then you must have slept through it.
A wonderful script written by Brent Boyd about a young man struggling to deal with family issues, love, and his own future is magnificently captured by director James Burke.
Donald Sutherland gives one of the best performances of his fantastic career and Joshua Jackson can finally shed the image of Pacey from Dawson's Creek with a solid performance as well.
Donald Sutherland did an outstanding job and deserves an award for this performance.
I am not crazy about Joshua Jackson, who is not a very strong leading man or actor, but he barely pulls it off.
The simplicity was the best part of this film and it proves that a powerful story is better than fancy camera work or show off directing.
Oscar nominations for best script and for Donald's performance..
Juliette Lewis, Josh Jackson, Steven Pasquale or Louis Fletcher are the perfect choices for their role.
and the precision of James Burke to use, in the right manner, each nuance of emotions, fears , expectation to a hopeful end is one of the magnificent virtues of the film.
Duncan Shorter (Joshua Jackson) is a struggling 25 year old in Minnesota, and gets fired from yet another job.
He visits his grandfather Ronald Shorter (Donald Sutherland) who is struggling with Parkinson's, and his grandmother Ruth (Louise Fletcher).
He is still haunted by his father's death 10 years ago.The story with Duncan and Kate is rather standard rom-com.
It has it all: romance, family relationships, old people, young people, friends, comedy, Juliette Lewis; but it is a slow movie.
So you have to be in the mood for one of those "life" movies.The acting is top notch, something that comes naturally to Donald Sutherland, but all the other actors played well also.
The music is suitable, the story unfolds in a predictable, but natural way.Bottom line: a movie about losing yourself in the comfortable but dead zone of friends that don't really help, family that doesn't really go anywhere, jobs that don't do anything, but that feels like home.
I have never been as impressed and blown away with Donald Sutherland's acting as I was after seeing his performance.
It's not often that you see a movie where you forget that you are watching movie stars but actually see the characters in the story, but this film achieved that, and no small feat considering the numerous well known actors in it.
This is the type of film where you cannot take your eyes off the screen, and you feel completely mesmerized.
I think Donald Sutherland should be nominated for this one.
On the other hand, for Jacob, his other sibling, the loss of his father didn't affect his life the same way; he went on to make something of himself, but he loses his priorities as he continues to have extra marital affairs.Duncan's grandfather Ronald, suffering from Parkinson's disease, has moved into Minneapolis with his wife Ruth.
Duncan, who loves his grandfather, bonds with the old man.
Duncan is not keen in leaving Minneapolis where his family and friends are, and where he thinks he belongs.
This surprising film, directed by James Burke, was a surprise.
Mr. Burke gives the movie an immediacy and reality like no other mainstream films in quite a while.
Compare the way the director and the writer deal with a man afflicted with Parkinson's that makes a film like Nike Cassavetes "The Notebook" treatment of Alzheimer's disease appear phony from beginning to end.
Having known first hand the devastating effects of this tragic disease, our heart went after what Ronald Shorter has been dealt by life.Having admired the work of Joshua Jackson for quite some time, didn't prepare us for his intense performance as Duncan.
This young actor is a joy to watch because he never makes a false move, he is always a welcome presence in any film.
His Ronald Shorter is hard to watch, but this exactly what a person at this stage of the disease looks and acts like.
Mr. Sutherland gets better and better each time one sees him.
Juliette Lewis gives an easy going portrayal of Kate, the restless woman in search of adventure, who is not quite ready for anything until Duncan happens to come along.
Ultimately, James Burke ought to be congratulated for bringing all the elements together into this wonderful slice of life of a film..
I enjoyed the characters in this movie tremendously.Donald Sutherland is riveting as an 82-year old man with Parkinson's disease and rapidly advancing Alzheimers.
Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher brings great feeling and warmth to her role as his wife.
It's a shame, because a movie that makes us think & feel for 113 minutes ends up with 10 minutes of "yup, of course." See it anyway..
**SPOILERS** Bittersweet and touching little movie that has to do with young Duncan Shorter,Joshua Jackson, who's life had hit a road block ever since his father-David-died of a sudden heart-attack ten years ago when he was 39 years old.Listless without any ambition Duncan's life has been going absolutely nowhere since he dropped out of school and gave up a collage scholarship when his dad passed away.
Now Duncan is worried about his 82 year-old grandfather Ronald, Donald Sutherland, who's going fast with his kidney's shot and both Parkinson's and Alzheimers diseases starting to set in.
With his Grandma Ruth, Louise Fletcher, unable to take care of her ailing husband Duncan gets a job at the couples apartment house as a handyman to be both close to Grandpa Ronald and thus prevent him from being sent into a local nursing-home that in fact, being the free soul that he is, will end up killing him.It's when Duncan meets Grandpa's home assistant Kate, Jullette Lewis, that he starts to feel that his life is about to turn around for the better.
Kate is not only well liked by Grandpa Ronald but the old guy wants to play match-maker in getting her and his somewhat shy,with women, grandson Duncan hitched!
The circumstances of Duncan's as well as his philandering brother Jake, Steven Pasquale, father's death!As Grampa Ronald's health begins to slowly deteriorate he starts to look for a way to ends his misery by getting Duncan to help him kill himself.
Duncan who's been haunted over the years over his fathers, a recovering coke addict, sudden death, which he believes was the result of a drug overdose, is very much against letting Grandpa Ronald end his life, this time with a shotgun blast, in somewhat the same way!Solid performances all around by an all-star cast that includes in a very small but important role John Kapelos as the late David Shorter's best friend Stu. It was Stu who was with David the night he died and who set Duncan and his brother Jake's minds at ease in just what were the chain of events that lead to his tragic death.***SPOILERS**** As for Donald Sutherland as Grandapa Ronald he was never better as the sad and suicidal old man who saw his life ebbing away right in front of his eyes.
The climate and surroundings fit the family's story well, since even in the coldest, harshest reality there is a glimmer of warmth and love.One little annoying detail...they were too cheap to film in San Diego!
The San Diego scene was filmed somewhere in LA...we don't have neighborhoods or freeways that look like that...it's only a 2 hour drive...come on.Other than that it was a great film.
Donald Sutherland was amazing, he really found the character.