This Boy's Life

Plot synopsis:
In the fall of 1957, Toby Wolff (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his mother Caroline (Ellen Barkin) are driving from Florida to Utah in search of better luck after Caroline was beat up by her latest boyfriend. Caroline has bought a geiger counter and intends to get rich on uranium in Salt Lake City even though no uranium has been found there. Toby tells us that his father left his mother a long time ago and took Toby's older brother with him. In Salt Lake, Caroline gets a job and Toby starts a new school. Soon Caroline's ex, Roy (Chris Cooper), turns up after tracking Caroline down. He gives Toby a rifle as a present and tries to reestablish his relationship with Caroline, but when he becomes too controlling for her, Caroline decides to pack up and leave town on a Greyhound.Six months later in Seattle, Toby is skipping school, calls himself Jack and has Elvis hair. He and his two friends watch Superman on TV and talk about sex. Toby is living in a boarding house with Caroline, who is dating an attractive and well-mannered man, Dwight Hansen (Robert De Niro). He invites Caroline and Toby to stay the weekend at his home in the small town Concrete. They go to a turkey shoot; Dwight had promised Toby a chance to shoot, but it turns out the rules forbid it. Instead, Caroline enters the shoot as the only woman and ends up winning much to Dwight's dismay. Dwight has three children of his own, and he praises Concrete to Caroline hoping to persuade her to stay.Back in Seattle, Toby is caught carving obscene words into a bathroom wall and is suspended. Desperate and short on cash, Caroline agrees to Dwight's suggestion that Toby should live with him for a while. Dwight picks him up, and on the drive Dwight shows his nasty side for the first time, threatening Toby with what he will do to him if he doesn't behave. He has Toby's hair cut, enrolls him in the boy scouts and gets him a paper route. Soon Caroline and Dwight are married. It soon turns out there are many things they don't see eye to eye on, starting with their wedding night. Dwight has a loose temper and has no time for objections. Toby protests when Dwight keeps the money from Toby's paper route and won't buy him gym shoes, but Caroline doesn't want to get in the middle of their differences. Dwight tells stories of how he used to beat people up and teaches Toby to do the same. Toby has new friends in Concrete, but also meets Arthur (Jonah Blechman), an outsider who does not like to be called a homo. At first they fight, but later they become friends. One night Toby takes Dwight's car out for a drive, and when Dwight finds out he beats Toby. Toby asks his mother if they could leave town again, but Caroline says she can't run anymore and that the best thing is to stay.Two years later. Kennedy is running for president, and Caroline wants to work for his campaign, to the displeasure of Dwight, who is as abusive as ever. Toby has his sights set on leaving town. He wants to apply for prep schools, but he has bad grades and has to get Arthur to help him fake his transcript. When schools start to decline his applications, he realizes that he may have to stay in Concrete like his friends and gets a job in a grocery store. But one school accepts his application and sends an interviewer, who Toby successfully convinces of his suitability for higher education. When Dwight learns that Toby has received a scholarship he attacks Toby with a mustard jar, and they end up in a fight only ended by Caroline and a baseball bat. Caroline finally realizes that she doesn't have to put up with Dwight, and she and Toby leave town as Dwight complains about his misfortune.At a bus stop, Toby says goodbye to his mother as she leaves on a Greyhound, and he waits for his own bus to depart a few hours later. Titles tell us about the later fates of the characters, including Dwight living in Concrete until the end of his life, Caroline remarrying happily and Toby being expelled from the prep school, serving in Vietnam and becoming an author.

Tags: violence

Review:
I heard of this movie before, but I had no knowledge of what it was about, and basically rented it because it looked good and Robert DeNiro is the star--my Number One favorite actor.
And that he is, but you must see his performance in this movie before regarding him as "just another pretty face."  He was still in his early teens (I'm guessing) when he made this film, so this was a long time before he hit it big with "Titanic." Ellen Barkin is also good, but I wish her character could've been developed a little more.
I kept wondering, during the course of the film, why she felt like withstanding Dwight's abuse for such a long period of time.
Robert DeNiro is one of the finest living actors of Hollywood, most of his movies are pure gold, not to mention this fine film "The Boy's Life".
This Boy's Life was the break out role for Leonardo DiCaprio who proved what a great talent he was in this coming of age film.
DeNiro with his great ear for voices and accents perfectly captures the role of stepfather Dwight Hansen, a man with a terrible inferiority complex who takes it out on his stepson.The film is based on the memoirs of writer Tobias Wolff as he and his mother endured five years of hell with this very provincial man who is trapped in the small town mentality of Concrete, Washington during the 1950s.
Anyway, he certainly gave a powerful performance and served notice he was going to be a "big name" actor.Basically, it's about teenage kid and his mom trying to survive the mean father-husband of the family in a small town during the 1950s.
Leo plays "Tobias Wolffe;" De Niro, "Dwight Hansen" and Barkin, "Caroline Hansen." She had remarried Hansen after having "Toby" earlier, hence the surname "Wolffe."What made this story tough for me was that, to be honest, neither father nor son were nice guys, although De Niro's character was far worse.
The real-life Dwight has since died (everyone who knew him says he was just like book and movie portrayed him) and his real kids dispute the fact that he was an abusive father.
Robert DeNiro did a superb job of protraying Dwight, as did Leonardo DiCaprio protraying Jack.I recommend viewing this film by anyone who is raising a teenage son, so as to give some insight to the pitfalls that adolescence will challenge a father.
But the acting 1993 must be Leonardo DiCaprio's best year as an actor yet, his portrayal of Toby in this film is very good, and he was absolutely sensational in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?".
Robert De Niro is also very good in the film, he manages to bring forward the brutal side of his character while he also lets the audience know that Dwight is a very childish man.
But nevertheless it's kind of a shame that Leonardo DiCaprio has never been the same since "Titanic." In three of his earlier films--"What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" "The Basketball Diaries," and this one--he had a promise not quite seen since James Dean, whom bad luck prevented from going beyond his own early promise.DiCaprio is excellent here as a frustrated teen-age stepson to DeNiro's petty and jealous stepfather.
This MIchael-Caton Jones powerful true story Drama gives us a young faced Leonardo DiCaprio starring as 16 year old Tobias Woolf, a troubled young man who is shown by DeNiro that life can be a hard mistress.
With Ellen Barkin caught up in the middle of it all, the film tells us the story of Di Caprio's character Toby Woolf and his trouble with his mums boyfriend (De Niro) with this film being made in 1993, this is when De Niro was at the top of his game as an Actor, and you would think makes it harder for Di Caprio to compete with on screen, but it doesn't.
Leonardo competes perfectly within his character, and is just as memorable as De Niro throughout the film, and is somewhat even better on screen, seeing the actor that he has become today.
The typically reliable Robert De Niro delivers one of his worst performances ever as a crazy kook from Seattle named Dwight, who falls for Toby's (DiCaprio) mother, Caroline, played by Ellen Barkin.I applaud De Niro's recent ventures into comedy and disagree with the critics who claim he has "sold out." But his performance in "This Boy's Life" is simply unacceptable.
"Radio Flyer" was not a great movie by any means, but by portraying child abuse through the eyes of a child and portraying the guilty as a truly cruel human being, it succeeded and made us feel for the boys."This Boy's Life" doesn't work because it's a bit too sarcastic, knowing and self-assured.
And by then, the accent has become so corny, and the dialogue and happy-face gestures so hysterical, that the film totally negates whatever its point was and becomes a half-hearted bittersweet comedy with a great performance by Leonardo DiCaprio and unimpressive elements elsewhere.Overall, "This Boy's Life" is a mixed bag of a film that doesn't know whether to find sympathy for Tobias Wolff or humor in his situations.
We're Not Supposed to Sympathize with Deniro, But I Did. I don't know what Tobias Wolff was really like as an adolescent, but if he was anything like the obnoxious twerp portrayed by Leonardo Dicaprio, then it's no wonder his stepfather hated him and abused him!
If Tobias Wolff was really like that, I think Dwight deserves a medal for not killing the brat outright!Moreover, if you read the epilogue at the end of the film, you'll learn that Tobias Wolff was expelled from the prep school he got himself into, for bad behavior.
What you don't realize is that there are people who have faced times harder, and done equally challenging things.This story is one such narrative of a boy from a small town with a mother trying to get settled somewhere.
A Depressing, but very Entertaining True Story of a Young Boy. I never knew about this film, but now seeing it twice this month, I truly love the story, the characters and I feel that I can feel Tobias's pain.
I'm glad I know this film now.The story is about a troubled boy named Tobias along with his mother growing up in the old country world.
The music fits perfectly with the sad tone and there are many great scenes, I even love how in the end Tobias tries to stand up to his abusive, step father to convince him to leave him alone.This a must watch many times.
(You should Wikipedia some information after the film since this was released in 1993 and many things can change since then 'till now) The acting from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Ellen Barkin is sublime, and this film is worth watching.It centers around the life of a child as he lives life with his mother (his father left with the child's older brother who eventually released a book called "Duke of Deception: Memories of My Father").
When watching Robert De Niro and Leonardo Di Caprio in the same film you are guaranteed for an excellent film, and this is it.With the aggressive father of De Niro and the equally aggressive but also vulnerable teenager of Di Caprio audiences are shown an emotionally packed story about family loyalties, friendships and marriages.It is unbelievably emotional and each actor involved in this 1993 drama performs with their hearts on their sleeves.Each character has a different side to them throughout and the actors are terrific as they create passion to create realism for the fantastically portrayed real life situations The story is consistent, taking place in school, and different houses in America.The narration by Di Caprio is a good technique and allows audiences to gain an insight into his thoughts.With its very deep issues it is an insight into what some people in society are like and emphasises the cruelty in this world and this film sends out a message that something should be done about abusive people This is one of the best dramas I have ever seen and probably the best which adjusts itself to real life perfectly.If you like films about deep personal issues, sensitive and hard people, scenes which will make you feel for the characters then this is definitely for you 8.5/10.
Before "Titanic" and "The Aviator", Leonardo DiCaprio played the lead role - so to speak - in "This Boy's Life", based on Tobias Wolff's autobiographical novel.
It portrays Caroline Wolff (Ellen Barkin) and her son moving to Seattle where she marries mechanic Dwight Hansen (Robert DeNiro).
DeNiro's role is especially impressive: the first time that his character spoke, I thought that he was supposed to be Irish or something, before I realized that it was a Scandinavian-American accent...yes, Travis Bickle speaking like one of the "Fargo" characters.All in all, a really good movie.
Writer Tobias Wolf's autobiographical tale provided a young Leonardo DiCaprio with an early acting triumph, here cast as the son of Ellen Barkin, a sexy single mom in the 1950s who becomes romantically involved with unpredictable live-wire Robert De Niro.
With an adaptation by talented screenwriter Robert Getchell, the film is gripping and real despite a lack of insight into the characters, De Niro's in particular (he's simply a creep with no rationale, and why Barkin gives up her freedom to marry him is never made clear).
This is one of the best movie of leonardo dicaprio's.such a outstanding and stunning performance by leonardo dicaprio's.superb and fantastic story and i totally loved it.great characters and the most amazed thing i was not expecting tobey maguire and i saw he i really admired him to see him with leo and though they are best friends till now.
The movie is based on a true story about the life of Toby Wolff.
The boy quite enjoys the whole adventure with his bold and lively mother.Life as they knew it takes a twist when Robert De Niro's character Dwight enters their lives.
His antics, his irritation, all the small nuances have been played to the T.There are some truly funny and sweet moments that make your heart go out to Leo and are sure to make u giggle like Toby acting out as Dwight, all the teens dressing up as Elvis etc.The movie definitely leaves you feeling good but with a tinge of sadness at what the boy had to endure..
The movie, from what I gathered, is about Tobias Wolff's life in a town called Concrete, living with his abusive stepfather and his mother.
Toby, or Jack as he likes to be called, is played well by a young Leonardo DiCaprio, who proves that he actually does have true acting talent before his Titanic days.
Jack has been pushed by his mother (Ellen Barkin) to move to a town called Concrete, to live in a more stable life with her new fella Dwight (Robert DeNiro).
DiCaprio plays his role as Tobias Wolff very well indeed, it is excellent how he switches from being the 'know-it-all' bad boy to a young teen desperate to make something of his life.
Enjoyed this film and the great acting by DeNiro, DiCaprio and Ellen Barkin.
Based on the a book by Tobias Wolff, and account of his real life, this movie grips your heart, tugs at all your emotions and makes you smile and sigh with relief at the end.9 out of 10.
Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio worked wonderfully in the movie.The other actors were also good.It has well wrote and directed.Although, it does has some disturbing scenes and words in it but they don't last all that long.The scenes are sexual to let you know.But overall it is a really good movie and I think you should see it..
I havent read the book but the film is highly enjoyable!Leonardo di Caprio plays Tobias Woolf a teenager who lives with his mother and has hopes of going to college one day!.They move to another state where his mother meets Dwight(Robert De Niro)and marries him who Tobias takes a quick disliking to as he is constantly picked on.
Robert de niro is fab as nasty bully Dwight and Tobias'feminine friend Albert(Jonah Blechman)plays a good part too this is top entertainment from a great cast!.
I haven't read the autobiographical book upon which this ostensibly "true story" was based, but judging from the movie version of "This Boy's Life" (**1/2), Tobias Wolff's memoir could have been subtitled "Getting Even with Stepdaddy Dearest."  At least the film is honest enough to admit that young Toby is well on his way to reform school when "Dwight" marries his clueless, footloose mother and takes them into his home, even though he already has three other children, two of them teenagers.
Good looking, it shows the mixture of fear and optimism that an abused boy would feel.That Toby made it out of his family is a given, otherwise we wouldn't have the story.
I liked the movie that I just happen to see on a cable channel but it was painful to watch.The characters were all too real for me as I've known of people like them.I don't sympathies with either Tobias, his mother or Dwight.
but since 1997 i know you and i watched all your movies and what can i say,, i act like you cause you where my big idol and this boys life is one of your movies i watched more than 10 times.you put on great performance on this movie and your acting abilities is showing more than people could see.
This movie was an excellent early Leonardo DiCaprio film and Robert DeNiro did also great as the abusive step-father.
This Boys Life is a great movie with a very well developed storyline and a terrific cast.This is one of Leonardo DiCaprio's first movies and his very first major role in a film,he proves from the first scene that he can act,and has only proved more and more since this movie that he is easily one of the most talented actors out there,but he can't beat the very professional acting of Robert De Niro,who plays this abusive character with so much meaning,and it really seemed like he had a field day with his performance.The characters are very real,I know many people whose personalities suit the three main characters perfectly,it is an extremely realistic film which adds immensely to the drama.This Boys Life is at times depressing and at all times dramatic,I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good drama.
and one who enjoys one to many cans of the strong stuff, De Niro is excellent in this movie, but the real star of this movie is decaprio who shines through out, I've never been a fan of his work but the guy has earned my respect and he is truly a fantastic gifted actor and should of won an Oscar for his role in this movie i am not one to give away the full story when it comes to reviewing films as so many other reviewers do SHAME ON YOU GUYS!!!
But I did think Dicaprio was convincing as the young abused teenager living in hell under an abusing step father and I am sure plenty of women, men, boys and girls can relate to the trauma that happens here, I myself cannot as I have been very lucky to have a loving and understanding father but it takes a film like this to remind that it does happen to real people and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it.
But I also find this movie entertaining which I am sure the director didn't mean to happen because in each scene of the film there is something going on whether it be Tobias trying to get into a boys school, Dwight Bullying whoever he can, Arthur trying to sweet talk Tobias into their friendship, there are so many characters which you find real and entertaining.
At times bitter-sweet, mostly harrowing, yet always compelling - This Boy's Life is well-played by all concerned, especially its odd-couple protagonists, DiCaprio and DeNiro, and the woman between them, Ellen Barkin.
There's not only a strong, commanding performance from Robert De Niro, but an impressively assured one from a young (and then unknown) Leonardo DiCaprio.DiCaprio plays Tobias 'Toby' Wolff, a rebellious teen of the 1950s.
Leonardo DiCaprio shows off his bad boy side in this film, playing the rebellious teen Tobias Wolff in the late 50's.
I saw it because of 18 year old DiCaprio and by the time the film was over I was completely obsessed in not only him, but the story as well.This Boy's Life is set in the 1950's and based on Tobias Wolff's 1989 autobiography.
And just maybe he'll put new order into her unruly son Leonardo DiCaprio's life.The movie is just as good as the book, although in the movie Leonardo (Tobias/Jack) is subjected to physical and mental abuse from DeNiro (Dwight), whereas Tobias states in his autobiography nothing like that, except telling his brother that Dwight hit him so that he could visit his brother and the violence Dwight expressed on his mother in the end.I related highly to the film.
And I remember having seen the film many years ago, before "Titanic", before all Leonardo Di Caprio's adult roles, I didn't forget Dwight, played by De Niro, but I didn't forget Leo either."This Boy's Life" is the chronicle of Tobias Wolff's teenage days, when his nomadic mother, played by the a sensual Ellen Barkin, decided to go west, the land of greener grasses.
It is directed by Michael Caton-Jones and it features Leonardo DiCaprio as Tobias Wolff together with Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin.
Basically set in the 1950s, Caroline Wolff (Ellen Barkin) and her young Tobias "Toby", who wants to go by the name Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), have fled the East to escape her abusive boyfriend, the find a new life and settle in Seattle, Washington.