Affliction (1997)

My Review

“Affliction” is an excellent drama film about the ups and downs of a small town policeman in the snow-bound state of New Hampshire. The marvelous job by director-screenwriter Paul Schrader (“American Gigolo” 1980) allowed for a smooth two hour film with incomparable character development.

The ensemble of actors include Nick Nolte in the role of a lifetime in the lead of the picture as the policeman, James Coburn, Sissy Spacek, William Dafoe, Mary Beth Hurt, Jim True, Christopher Heyerdahl, Marian Seldes, Wayne Robson, and Sean McCann.

The very watchable “Affliction,” adapted from Russell Banks’ 1989 novel of the same name, broke even at the box office for Largo Entertainment, Reisman Productions, Kingsgate Films, and Lionsgate Films. The film won one Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Colburn) and one non-winner for Best Actor (Nolte). It was filmed in Quebec, Canada.