Stand by Me

Plot

In 1959, four twelve-year-old friends venture out to find a missing boy – along the way they discuss the many things that they must endure in their lives; from bullies, girls, their future, and their pasts.

Direction

There is some very subtle direction from Rob Reiner; and while there are no ‘exceptional’ shots – they all work together to help support the narrative. Some memorable shots include some spy shots (when Vern is under the house) – and the ‘chicken’ game that Ace plays.

Cast/Characters

The four key cast, Will Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell and the late River Phoenix are all simply amazing in their roles – especially given they were all teenagers or barely teenagers when the film was made.

The primary protagonist Gordie narrates the story as an adult (played by Richard Dreyfuss, who appears in bookends of the film), and is portrayed by Wheaton. His arc revolves around the recent loss of his older brother. Feldman and O’Connell play two of the other friends – Teddy and Vern. While their characters are not as expanded on than the others, they have plenty of screen time in order for us to really know them. Sincerely.

It is River Phoenix who really shines here as Chris Chambers, the kid from the ‘rough’ side of the street who doesn’t want to be defined by who his family is. His arc (and fate) is revealed in the first few seconds of the film, and is a gut punch to the chest when it is revealed in the final few minutes of the film. It hurts all the more due to the real life death of Phoenix at the age of just 23.

Secondary cast members of note are Keifer Sutherland as the antagonist Ace – he was one of the best ‘bullies’ of the 1980s. John Cusack who plays Gordie’s older brother Denny in flashbacks is what ever older brother should be.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The two primary themes in the film are friendship, and death. The friendship of the four boys – and their closeness. The final lines of the film literally reflects on how our friendships as children is in a different class to those as adults.

The other main theme is death. The boys are off searching for the body of a young boy (the main story is literally from the novella The Body, by Steven King who uses his favorite town Castle Rock here too), who was killed after being hit by a train. Gordy is in mourning of the death of his brother, and the film begins with the knowledge that Chris will eventually die.

To break up the drama, there is a fun story told by Gordie midway

Score/Soundtrack

The soundtrack has a strong 1950’s America about it, and complements the film well.

Overall

At just under 90m, this is an extremely easy film to sit through, and even at such a short run time, the pacing feels right. The age old saying ‘less is more’ is correct here. It is a perfectly made film, with wonderful performances. A strong recommend from me.

5/5