Overview
“Runs In the Family” is a drama that came out in 2003 which centers around families with their ups and downs in relation to the spanning of three generations. It is directed by Fred Schepisi and what makes it different is that it casts real life family members of the Michael Douglas family – Michael himself alongside Kirk Douglas and his son Cameron Douglas. The presence of different generations from the same family makes the film’s tale concerning the interplay of connection, responsibility, and the legacy of family traditions more real and emotionally heavy.
“Runs In The Family” is set in New York City which allows the Gromberg family to be examined in a more subtle manner as they deal with their triumphs and tribulations. You don’t need to rely on spelling drama and action in a sequence. You need to look at the more reflective side of the story which in this case has to do with relationships, personal characterization, and family which in this case are the small defining features.
Plot Summary
To begin, the film follows the life of the Gromberg family, who are a respected Jewish-American family residing in Manhattan and are considered to be affluent. The film focuses on Alex Gromberg (Michael Douglas), a lawyer trying to juggle work and family responsibilities. Alex, despite his financial success, feels a sense of alienation from his family and his elderly father. This is in addition to the alienation he feels from his wife and children.
On the other hand, his father, Mitchell Gromberg (Kirk Douglas), is the retired head of the family who had a stroke and now is a stroke survivor, opinionated and wise, yet a bit of a stubborn. He has a unique onion on life and tends to reflect on the almost ideological notions of life he feels his family should adhere to.
Also, there is Asher Gromberg (Cameron Douglas), Alex’s son who is currently a college student, and is trying to figure his life out. Asher, like a lot of people in his age bracket, is in a constant battle between selfishness and family obligations. He tends to make decisions that are aimed to annoy his father, however, they still end up helping the family saturate the conversations.
The family also includes Rebecca Gromberg (Bernadette Peters), Alex’s wife, who is portrayed as a caring, down-to-earth role and is often described as the emotional anchor of the family. Mitchell Gromberg (Kirk Douglas) is married to Evelyn Gromberg, the actress who played the cowboy, and also Kirk Douglas’ ex wife in real life, which is an added touch of realism.
The film has the Gromberg family going through a period of lack of understanding, minor disputes and conflicts, and emotional detachment. Eventually through family dinners, difficult discussions, walks in the park, and meaningful moments, the Gromberg family learned to understand and appreciate each other.
In a collection of humorous and thoughtful moments, meaning is discussed as well as stability and love within the family. It is shown that at the end of the film, all family members learn that even with the difficult moments and arguments, they understand that the connection in the family is the most important.
Main Characters
Alex Gromberg (Michael Douglas) – is a father and a husband who is in the middle ages. He is shown to be finding a balance at the meso level between emotional and career presence and trying to gain success. Part of the process is learning to reconnect with his father and son.
Mitchell Gromberg (Kirk Douglas) – the caring and wise grandfather. After recovering from some health issues, he adopts a more hands-on approach to life. He focuses on the importance of honesty, family, and thinking about the more important aspects of life.
Asher Gromberg (Cameron Douglas) – a young boy on the verge of manhood. His choices and mistakes are a reflection of the wish to be part of something. Asher’s confusion represents the more complex layers of young adulthood.
Rebecca Gromberg (Bernadette Peters) – a loving wife and a caring mother. She has the ability to emotionally and psychologically center the family and assists them in achieving peace.
Evelyn Gromberg (Diana Douglas) – the more reserved member of the family. She signifies the more prudent and wise traits of a former era.
Though the film tells a simple story, it is rich with meaningful themes that resonate across generations and cultures.
- Family and Generational Bonds
The most important part of the film focuses on the ability of three generations to understand one another. No matter the gap in generations, unique beliefs, and different problems, the Grombergs are bound by their history and love. The film notes that even though families change, the connections often remain.
- Communication and Understanding
The majority of the conflict within Runs in the Family stems not from malice, but from fundamental misunderstanding and the absence of effective communication. As the characters begin the process of speaking openly and listening with intent, the first stages of healing begin. This film captured the essence of not only the need to speak with gentleness, but also the need to listen with intention.
- Personal Growth
Every protagonist carries their own life story—Alex is learning to become mindful, Mitchell is pondering and reflecting on his legacy, while Asher is on the quest of self-discovery. These stories show that regardless of age, personal development is possible and that self-reflection is usually the first step in this process.
- The Balance Between Work and Home
Alex’s difficulty in balancing personal and professional productivity is a universal phenomena. This film illustrates that success in career without authentic connections and relationships, as well as time with people who matter, is of little value.
Visual Style and Tone
The film is captured in a style that is warm and very naturalistic in approach by the director Fred Schepisi. Real life locations like streets of New York, family houses and public parks is used to place the scenes. The camera focuses and dwells on the faces and facial expressions, giving the audience a chance to internalise and feel the emotional transitions that character undergo.
The development of characters outpaces the development of the plot which results in an unhurried pacing. This thoughtfulness invites the audience to consider their own family ties, and the seemingly unremarkable moments that shape them.
The veracity of the subject matters is devoid of melodrama, overemphasis of sentiment, and rather, lies in the occasional levity that is always anchored on emotional sincerity.
Reception and Legacy
When Runs in the Family came out, it had a far from warm reception, however, it still remains a touching film to those who value stories that focus on emotional and family connections. The seamless on-screen interactions between the actors, and the real feelings on the film received praise from critics.
Fans of introspective family stories, and multi-generational dramas, are in for an honest and touching perspective that Runs in the Family brings to the intricacies of human connections, devoid of sensationalism and exaggerated emotions.
Conclusion
The Grombergs in Runs in the Family learn that family is not about attaining perfection, but rather about the willingness to show up, be present, and grow together. This gentle and reflective film tackles the struggles and victories of family life over multiple generations.
The film, Runs in the Family, captures the essence of family through the use of a captivating true family cast, combined with a sensitive core, offers proof that the bonds of family are the most important connections. Most importantly, the film offers an opportunity to its viewers to cherish, family as they are with imperfections, showing the true essence of family value.
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