Twice in a Lifetime (1985)
Harry MacKenzie (Gene Hackman, in a rare domestic outing) has just turned 50. The steelworker lives near Seattle and roots for the Seahawks. He and his wife of 30 years, Kate (Ellen Burstyn), have three kids, Jerry (Darrell Larson), Helen (Ally Sheedy), and Sunny (Amy Madigan, Oscar-nominated for her fiery performance). On the surface, life is good. Truth is, Harry’s bored--until be meets barmaid Audrey (Ann-Margret). Written by Colin Welland (Chariots of Fire) and directed by Bud Yorkin (Divorce, American Style),Twice in a Lifetimetakes an even-handed look at the consequences of divorce. Harry doesn't just shatter Kate’s world when he takes up with another woman, but his entire family. The film works double-time as an ode to a city that no longer exists, as when Harry and Audrey take in a game at the Kingdome. Featuring a score by Pat Metheny and title track by Paul McCartney.--Kathleen C. Fennessy