70 Movies Starring David Strathairn

Born on January 26, 1949, in San Francisco, David Strathairn attended Williams College, where he acted in experimental theater and befriended future filmmaker John Sayles. Before embarking on a professional acting career, Strathairn had a brief stint as a circus clown. He then returned to the theater, and in 1980, appeared in Return of the Secaucus 7, Sayles's directorial debut.Known as a strong character actor who delivers understated yet powerful performances, Strathairn has appeared in many of Sayles's films, including The Brother from Another Planet, Matewan, Eight Men Out, Passion Fish and Limbo. Other notable films include Silkwood, L.A. Confidential and Simon Birch.In 2005, he received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations for his commanding portrayal of newsman Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck. He continues to work in film, television and theater.

Howl 2010 3.7 stars Drama Rated: NR

James Franco steps into the shoes of famed Beat poet Allen Ginsberg in this star-studded biopic centered around Ginsberg's poem "Howl" -- and the widely publicized obscenity trial that followed its publication in 1957. Documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Times of Harvey Milk) direct, with an A-list ensemble cast that includes Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd.

Temple Grandin 2010 4.3 stars 120 mins Drama Rated: NR

Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a brilliant young woman coping with the stigma of autism at a time when it was misunderstood. With the support of her loving family, Temple dedicates herself to learning and becomes a famed animal behaviorist. Temple's passion for animals gives her a unique ability to understand them, and she fulfills her love of education by teaching about autism and the most humane ways to treat both livestock and pets.

The Uninvited 2009 3.4 stars 87 mins Thrillers Rated: PG-13

Committed to a mental hospital after her mother's tragic death, grieving teenager Anna (Emily Browning) discovers upon her release that her father (David Strathairn) plans to marry his deceased wife's former nurse (Elizabeth Banks), a woman who might not have the best intentions. But foreboding warnings from her mother's ghost only cement Anna's suspicions in this remake of the 2003 Korean chiller Janghwa, Hongryeon.

American Experience: Oppenheimer Trials 2009 3.1 stars 120 mins Documentary Rated: NR

This gripping documentary explores J. Robert Oppenheimer's legacy as a brilliant scientist who was hailed as a hero for his work on the Manhattan Project and later vilified by authorities for his communist ties. Interspersing archival footage and interviews with re-creations of security hearings, this program sheds light on Oppenheimer's troubled times, as he faced the wrath of the House Un-American Activities Committee.

The Tempest 2009 3.8 stars Drama Rated: NR

After years stranded on a deserted island, exiled duchess and sorceress Prospera (Helen Mirren) exacts vengeance on her enemies, whose passing vessel she has shipwrecked. What she doesn't know is that the ship also carries a potential suitor to her daughter (Felicity Jones). Writer-director Julie Taymor's bold adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play also stars Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou, Alfred Molina and Chris Cooper.

The Spiderwick Chronicles 2008 3.8 stars 101 mins Children & Family Rated: PG

When city-raised twins Jared and Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore) move to a tumbledown country mansion with their mother (Mary-Louise Parker) and sister (Sarah Bolger), it's quite an adjustment -- especially after they uncover a magical and sometimes dangerous fantasy world. Joan Plowright, David Strathairn and Nick Nolte also star in this family adventure populated with all manner of fanciful creatures.

Cold Souls Nominated For/Won Awards

2008 2.9 stars 101 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

Paul Giamatti stars as himself, an actor in the throes of anxiety over an upcoming performance -- until he gives his soul to a mysterious company that promises to freeze and store it until he wants it again, along with his anxieties. But when his soul goes missing, Giamatti embarks on a journey to track it down. Along the way he learns a thing or two about engaging every human emotion, however difficult. Sophie Barthes directs.

The Bourne Ultimatum Nominated For/Won Awards

2007 4.2 stars 116 mins Thrillers Rated: PG-13

Matt Damon returns as trained assassin Jason Bourne in this third film based on Robert Ludlum's best-selling novels. This time around, Bourne travels the globe on a quest to reconstruct his past -- and thus clear the way for his future. As Bourne moves from Moscow to Paris and on to Madrid, London, New York and Morocco, he's joined by returning cast members Julia Stiles and Joan Allen as well as new co-stars David Strathairn and Paddy Considine.

My Blueberry Nights 2007 2.9 stars 94 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

Restless and young Elizabeth (Norah Jones) travels cross-country working a variety of waitressing jobs and connecting with an odd assortment of characters along the way, including policeman Arnie (David Strathairn), his unfaithful wife, Sue Lynne (Rachel Weisz), and a flighty young gambler (Natalie Portman). But Elizabeth realizes that her touchstone is Jeremy (Jude Law), the owner of a café she haunted back home in New York.

Fracture 2007 3.8 stars 113 mins Thrillers Rated: R

Anthony Hopkins stars in this legal thriller as Ted Crawford, a man who allegedly attempted to murder his wife and is now locked in a battle of wits with a young assistant district attorney, Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling). The D.A. is convinced Crawford has blood on his hands, but Crawford is freed on a technicality, sending Beachum on an obsessive mission to prove Crawford's guilt -- even if he has to bend the law to do it.

Trumbo 2007 3.6 stars 96 mins Documentary Rated: PG-13

until 02-Oct-2024

After failing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947, successful screenwriter Dalton Trumbo was blacklisted in Hollywood. This documentary details Trumbo's life through personal letters, interviews and archival footage. Well-known actors such as Joan Allen, Brian Dennehy, Paul Giamatti, David Strathairn, Donald Sutherland and others lend their voices to readings of Dalton Trumbo's personal letters.

Racing Daylight 2007 2.3 stars 83 mins Drama Rated: NR

until 01-Nov-2011

After returning to the family farm to take care of her comatose grandmother (Leclanche Durand), Sadie Stokes (Melissa Leo) sees the ghost of a Civil War soldier (David Strathairn) in the mirror and begins to take on the persona of her own ancestor, Anna. Before long, she is caught up in a mysterious romance. Told in three short films, this supernatural love story marks Nicole Quinn's directorial debut.

Steel Toes 2006 3.3 stars 90 mins Drama Rated: R

until 15-May-2010

This intense crime drama stars Oscar nominee David Strathairn as liberal Jewish attorney Danny Dunckelman, who's appointed by the court to defend Mike Downey (Andrew W. Walker), a neo-Nazi skinhead on trial for the murder of an East Indian man. Confronting religious and racial intolerance, Mike and Danny struggle to form an alliance despite their divergent beliefs and sensibilities in this provocative exploration of hatred and forgiveness.

The Notorious Bettie Page 2006 3.1 stars 90 mins Drama Rated: R

Provocative filmmaker Mary Harron delivers an intimate biopic about 1950s pinup girl Bettie Page (Gretchen Mol), who whetted many a male appetite with her raven locks and sadomasochistic poses before becoming the target of a U.S. Senate investigation. Although she longed to be an actress, the unassuming girl from Nashville, Tenn., would ultimately become the nation's first bona fide bondage queen -- and a convert to Christianity.

We Are Marshall 2006 3.9 stars 131 mins Drama Rated: PG

After a plane crash takes the lives of most of Marshall University's football team, new coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) must rally the surviving players and a grieving community to victory in this inspiring drama based on actual events. The film follows Lengyel and his assistant coach (Matthew Fox) as they try to renew Marshall's football program and help the close-knit West Virginia town of Huntington find new hope.

Missing in America 2006 3.6 stars 102 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

After hiding out in the woods for 35 years, an emotionally damaged Vietnam veteran takes in the young daughter of an Army buddy in this heartwarming drama. Life will never be the same for grumpy recluse Jake (Danny Glover) when he winds up caring for the daughter of a terminally ill friend (David Strathairn). The spirited girl gives the scarred shut-in new purpose -- and brings hope to a community of forgotten veterans. Linda Hamilton co-stars.

Heavens Fall 2006 3.6 stars 104 mins Drama Rated: NR

When nine homeless black youths are sentenced to die in the electric chair for allegedly raping a pair of white women in the Deep South, a Jewish attorney from New York City (Timothy Hutton) is called in to represent them at their retrials. David Strathairn and Leelee Sobieski also star in this period drama based on actual events that inspired Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Heavens Fall 2006 3.5 stars 105 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

until 31-Jan-2011

Inspired by the true events surrounding the "Scottsboro Nine," this compelling drama follows the plight of nine young black men, unjustly sentenced to death in the spring of 1931, following the false accusations of raping two white women. Defended by New York attorney Sam Leibowitz (Timothy Hutton), the case became a watershed event in the history of the American legal system. David Strathairn and Anthony Mackie co-star.

The Sensation of Sight 2006 2.7 stars 134 mins Independent Rated: R

until 02-Sep-2010

Blaming himself for a tragedy involving one of his students, English teacher Finn (David Strathairn) leaves his job and family, moves into a boarding house and sells encyclopedias door-to-door in this dreamlike indie drama. As he makes his way through his small New England town, Finn connects with some of the local residents, attracts the attention of single mother Alice (Jane Adams) and is haunted by a ghost who trails him relentlessly.

Good Night, and Good Luck Nominated For/Won Awards

2005 3.6 stars 93 mins Drama Rated: PG

George Clooney's Academy Award-nominated docudrama pits veteran television newsman Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) against a determined Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his single-minded crusade to quell the red threat at home. Despite corporate pressure to back off, Murrow and his CBS staff vow to examine the lies and fear tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his Communist witch-hunts. Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson and Jeff Daniels co-star.

Willa Cather: The Road Is All 2005 3.0 stars 90 mins Television Rated: NR

Through vintage photos, interviews and reenactments of the abiding novels that illuminate her spirit, this entry in the "American Masters" series spotlights writer Willa Cather, who penned such notable works as "My Antonia" and "One of Ours." Actor David Strathairn provides the narration, while Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden reads passages from Cather's meticulously crafted works, which feature gritty female characters.

Good Night, and Good Luck Nominated For/Won Awards

2005 3.9 stars 93 mins Drama Rated: PG

George Clooney's Oscar-nominated docudrama pits TV newsman Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) against Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his single-minded crusade to quell the red threat at home. Despite corporate pressure to back off, Murrow and his CBS staff are determined to examine the lies and fear tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his Communist witch-hunts. The impressive cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson and Jeff Daniels.

Twisted 2004 3.5 stars 97 mins Thrillers Rated: R

Female cop Jessica (Ashley Judd) is more dedicated to enforcing the law than most of her colleagues, since she feels she has a lot to make up for: Her father moonlighted as a serial killer. Could it be that the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree? That's what Jessica thinks when she finds herself at the center of her own investigation as past lovers inexplicably start dying at a breakneck pace.

Relative Evil 2004 2.4 stars 98 mins Thrillers Rated: R

In this disturbing tale, recovering addict JJ (Jonathan Tucker) returns home from rehab only to find that he was better off in the clinic. Sober and ready for a fresh new start, JJ discovers that his evil family is plotting to cash in on his life insurance policy before he turns 18. As he unravels the cold truth about his greedy relatives, JJ struggles to stay sober, but soon slips into self-destruction. Jennifer Tilly also stars.

Paradise 2004 2.2 stars 93 mins Drama Rated: R

This touching drama examines the illogical reasons behind the decision of Bobby Paradise (David Strathairn), a supremely logical man, to set aside his scientific work as an astronaut and instead choose a life devoted to studying faith and religion. Convinced he saw God when he was on a mission in outer space, Bobby refashions his life, which is threatened when details of a sex scandal supposedly involving him rise to the surface.

Blue Car

2002 3.0 stars 96 mins Drama Rated: R

Meg (Agnes Bruckner) is an average teen making do in the wake of her parents' divorce. When her English teacher, Mr. Auster (David Strathairn), becomes interested in her poetry and offers to help her with her writing, Meg turns to his attentions like a flower to the sun. When tragedy unfolds at home, she finds in him the approval, faith and enthusiasm she craves. She doesn't stop to think about what Mr. Auster hopes to find in her.

Lathe of Heaven 2002 3.0 stars 100 mins Sci-Fi & Fantasy Rated: NR

For George Orr (Lukas Haas), the saying that "dreams come true" is terrifyingly accurate; his nighttime visions somehow reshape reality. After drugging himself in an attempt to keep from dreaming, Orr is arrested and ordered to seek psychiatric treatment for his "delusions." But when his doctor realizes that Orr's power is real, he starts to manipulate Orr's dreams … with disastrous consequences.

Master Spy: The Robert Hanssen Story 2002 2.8 stars 112 mins Drama Rated: R

During the topsy-turvy post-Cold War period, respected FBI agent Robert Hanssen (William Hurt) sold secrets to the Russians, creating an intelligence breach of titanic proportions. Was Hanssen's misstep all the result of his bizarre yearning to live the life of a James Bond-type spy? Mary-Louise Parker costars as Hanssen's wife in this film, which originally aired as a TV miniseries.

Speakeasy 2002 2.7 stars 86 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

Although Bruce Hickman (David Strathairn) and Frank Marnikov (Nicky Katt) meet after their involvement in a minor traffic accident, their relationship develops into a lasting friendship. Directed by Brendan Murphy, this movie was a runner-up to be the coveted first feature film selected by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for the reality television show "Project Greenlight." Also stars Lake Bell, Stacy Edwards and Arthur Hiller.

Harrison's Flowers 2000 3.5 stars 122 mins Drama Rated: R

Andie MacDowell stars as Sarah, a happily married photo editor for Newsweek whose Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist husband, Harrison Lloyd (David Strathairn), is having second thoughts about covering the world's "hot spots." But he accepts one final assignment. Informed that Harrison is believed to have been killed on a combat assignment in Croatia, Sarah refuses to accept her husband's death and travels to Europe on a quest to find him.

Freedom Song 2000 3.6 stars 117 mins Drama Rated: NR

In this made-for-cable drama about the Civil Rights movement, unsung citizens risk their lives to bring change at the grassroots level. Set in a fictional Mississippi hamlet, the movie is based on eyewitness accounts of veteran activists who stood on history's frontlines and responded with passion and commitment to the challenge of equal rights for all Americans. The sterling cast includes Danny Glover, Glynn Turman and David Strathairn.

The Miracle Worker 2000 4.0 stars 90 mins Drama Rated: PG

Unable to see, hear or speak since early childhood, young Helen Keller (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) lives in an isolated world of shadowy silence. That is, until determined teacher Anne Sullivan (Alison Elliott) enters her life, determined to draw the girl out of her lonely darkness. David Strathairn co-stars in this moving television adaptation of the timeless -- and true -- tale of courage and spirit, based on the play by William Gibson.

Limbo

1999 3.3 stars 126 mins Drama Rated: R

until 01-Jan-2011

"Surprising, intelligent and richly textured," says Leonard Maltin of director John Sayles' poetic drama. Joe (David Strathairn) is a fishing-boat skipper with a tragic past. Donna (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) is a luckless lounge singer with bad taste in men and a frustrated daughter (Vanessa Martinez). When the trio find themselves deserted in the Alaskan wilderness, they discover that their "family status" may cost them their lives.

A Map of the World Nominated For/Won Awards

1999 3.1 stars 125 mins Drama Rated: R

Anxious to leave city life behind, Alice Goodwin (Sigourney Weaver) and her husband buy a farm and retreat to a small rural town. There, Alice quickly befriends neighbor Theresa Collins (Julianne Moore) and periodically baby-sits one of Theresa's children. But after a tragic accident, Alice discovers the darkness behind the town's cheery façade as the townspeople quickly rally against her -- an outsider who has upset their "perfect" balance.

A Midsummer Night's Dream 1999 3.3 stars 116 mins Comedy Rated: PG-13

Four star-crossed lovers -- Hermia (Anna Friel), Lysander (Dominic West), Demetrius (Christian Bale) and Helena (Calista Flockhart) -- run into the forest in pursuit of one another in director Michael Hoffman's adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedic love story. Amid the feuding fairies Oberon (Rupert Everett) and Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer), mischievous Puck (Stanley Tucci) sets loose a potion that wreaks romantic havoc on everyone.

Bad Manners 1999 2.7 stars 90 mins Drama Rated: R

Two academic couples are entangled in a perverse game of psychological warfare, a sexual tug-of-war that escalates as their scabrously witty jousting goes round for round over a too long weekend in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Simon Birch 1998 3.8 stars 113 mins Drama Rated: PG

Simon (Ian Michael Smith) and Joe (Joseph Mazzello) are best friends, bound by broken families and their misfit status: Simon is a dwarf, and Joe is illegitimate. But the boys face a devastating blow as Simon searches for a destiny bigger than his body and Joe hunts for his father. Ashley Judd plays Joe's mother, and Jim Carrey narrates this film based loosely on John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany.

A Good Baby 1998 3.1 stars 90 mins Independent Rated: NR

While hiking the back roads of a North Carolina hamlet, Raymond Toker (Henry Thomas) finds an abandoned baby. Toker decides to rear the infant himself when no one in town claims the tyke. His decision soon becomes a bone of contention for Josephine Priddy (Cara Seymour) -- a local beauty who loves Toker but not the baby. The arrival of enigmatic huckster Truman Lester (David Strathairn) begins to shed light on the child's identity.

The Climb 1997 3.0 stars 94 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

In 1959, young Danny Himes (Gregory Smith) becomes fixated on scaling a 203-foot radio tower scheduled for demolition. His motive: to prove his courage and stop the ribbing about his dad, who's been labeled a coward for sitting out World War II. But Danny breaks his arm and, worse, he's tasked with looking after curmudgeonly, dying neighbor Chuck (John Hurt). As it happens, Chuck was a civil engineer and has a plan to help Danny achieve his aim.

L.A. Confidential Nominated For/Won Awards

1997 3.9 stars 138 mins Drama Rated: R

In 1950s Los Angeles, three wildly different cops (Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey) form an uneasy alliance to ferret out deep-seated police corruption. But some people will do anything to land their faces in the pages of trashy Hollywood tabloids such as Hush-Hush magazine. A must-see whodunit, Brian Helgeland's script adaptation won an Oscar, as did Kim Basinger for her supporting role as a Veronica Lake look-alike.

In the Gloaming 1997 3.6 stars Drama Rated: PG

When Danny (Robert Sean Leonard) learns he's dying from complications of AIDS, he returns to his childhood home to live out the last months of his life with his affluent family. But as Danny seeks solace, frictions escalate within the already dysfunctional family. Glenn Close, David Strathairn, Bridget Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg also star in director Christopher Reeve's poignant, made-for-cable drama based on a short story by Alice Elliott Dark.

The Song of Hiawatha 1997 3.1 stars 114 mins Drama Rated: PG

until 01-Jun-2010

In this film based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, a priest (David Strathairn), a French trapper (Michael Rooker) and an American Indian interpreter (Graham Greene) search for the legendary Ojibway leader Hiawatha (Litefoot). Although no one seems able to produce the brave chief, nearly everyone they encounter is happy to share tales of him, bringing to life the story of the bighearted boy who grew into a great and courageous warrior.

Beyond the Call 1996 2.9 stars 101 mins Drama Rated: R

It's been years since Pam O'Brien (Sissy Spacek) has seen her high school boyfriend, Russell Cates (David Strathairn). But getting in touch with him is no ordinary trip down memory lane; Russell's on death row, and Pam's husband (Arliss Howard) is none too happy about their renewed friendship. But it turns out he's just like Russell in one significant way: He's a Vietnam vet haunted by his past, and oddly enough, Russell may help him move on.

Losing Isaiah 1995 3.7 stars 106 mins Drama Rated: R

Does a mother who's so irresponsible she accidentally abandons her baby deserve another chance? This gripping drama dares to confront this complex question. Khaila Richards (Halle Berry) used to be a crack addict, but once she "lost" her baby, Isaiah, she cleaned up her act. When she discovers that her child, who's been adopted by social worker Margaret Lewin (Jessica Lange), is alive and well, Khaila makes it her mission to get him back.

Dolores Claiborne 1994 3.6 stars 131 mins Thrillers Rated: R

This adaptation of the Stephen King novel tells the story of Dolores (Kathy Bates), a Maine housekeeper accused of murdering her elderly employer. This draws her estranged daughter Selena (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a New York reporter, up to Maine to help search for answers. On her visit, she learns the truth about not only the current situation, but also about her father's death 15 years earlier. Taylor Hackford directs this psychological thriller.

The River Wild Nominated For/Won Awards

1994 3.4 stars 108 mins Action & Adventure Rated: PG-13

starting 01-Nov-2010

What was already a turbulent family vacation turns deadly when a fugitive (Kevin Bacon) and his crew kidnap river rafting guide Gail (Meryl Streep), her husband Tom (David Strathairn) and their son in this thriller from Curtis Hanson (who went on to direct L.A. Confidential). As they steer toward a series of dangerous rapids, the criminals force Gail to abandon Tom, who immediately embarks on a courageous mission to save his family.

Lost in Yonkers 1993 3.4 stars 114 mins Drama Rated: PG

Richard Dreyfuss and Mercedes Ruehl star in this heartwarming story from Neil Simon that elicits both laughs and tears. In 1942, a widower being hunted by loan sharks decides to leave his two boys at the home of their sweet aunt and domineering grandma. The boys struggle to adapt, while their father and aunt try to escape the powerful hold of grandma's tyrannical ways.

A Dangerous Woman Nominated For/Won Awards

1993 3.1 stars 102 mins Drama Rated: R

At the center of this engrossing melodrama is a Golden Globe-nominated turn by Debra Winger, who plays a sheltered, slow-witted woman living with her widowed Aunt Frances (Barbara Hershey) while working at a dry cleaners. Into their world come a variety of characters -- including an alcoholic handyman, the wife of the politico Frances is having an affair with and a petty thief -- whose lives intersect in unexpected (and sometimes violent) ways.

A League of Their Own Nominated For/Won Awards

1992 3.8 stars 128 mins Comedy Rated: PG

Small-town sisters Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty) join an all-female baseball league formed after World War II brings pro baseball to a standstill. When their team hits the road with its drunken coach (Tom Hanks), the siblings find troubles and triumphs on and off the field. Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna co-star in director Penny Marshall's funny, sentimental crowd-pleaser inspired by the real-life All-American Pro Girls League.

Sneakers 1992 3.8 stars 126 mins Thrillers Rated: PG-13

until 31-Aug-2010

When shadowy U.S. intelligence agents blackmail a reformed computer hacker (Robert Redford) and his eccentric team of security experts into stealing a code-breaking "black box" from a Soviet-funded genius, they uncover a bigger conspiracy. Now, he and his "sneakers" (Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix and David Strathairn) must save themselves and the world economy by retrieving the box back from their blackmailers.

Bob Roberts Nominated For/Won Awards

1992 3.4 stars 102 mins Drama Rated: R

Taking aim at political skullduggery, false populism and press manipulation, this caustic mockumentary stars Tim Robbins as the titular Bob Roberts, a folk-singing right-winger trying to unseat a liberal U.S. senator. As cameras track Roberts on the campaign trail, a scrappy newshound (Giancarlo Esposito) digs up dirt that may derail his bid for office. Scores of A-list stars appear in cameos in this impressive writing-directing bow from Robbins.

Passion Fish Nominated For/Won Awards

1992 3.5 stars 135 mins Drama Rated: R

May-Alice Culhane (Mary McDonnell) is a soap opera star who's left paralyzed after a car accident and, left with few other options, returns to her Louisiana home. Her heavy drinking and bad attitude drive away all of her caregivers, until Chantelle (Alfre Woodard) comes to work for her. The two women form an unlikely friendship in this John Sayles film, which earned McDonnell an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Big Girls Don't Cry ... They Get Even 1992 3.5 stars 98 mins Children & Family Rated: PG

Teenager Laura Chartoff (Hillary Wolf) is wracked by low self-esteem -- a direct result of being constantly shuffled between her various families, whose members include Laura's self-absorbed stepfather (David Strathairn), her mother (Margaret Whitton), her real father (Griffin Dunne) and his 19-year-old girlfriend (Adrienne Shelley). Things come to a head when Laura ditches her family while on vacation in Hawaii. Joan Micklin Silver directs.

O Pioneers! 1992 3.4 stars 98 mins Drama Rated: PG

Willa Cather's most famous novel comes stirringly to life in this made-for-TV movie. Alexandra Bergson inherits the family farm and struggles to carve a home and a fortune from the windswept prairie. Along the way, she forfeits her one chance for love, but never forgets the teenager who stirred her heart. He (David Strathairn) returns 15 years later and rekindles within Alexandra (Jessica Lange) a long-buried dream and newfound desire.

Sneakers 1992 3.7 stars 125 mins Action & Adventure Rated: PG-13

Shadowy U.S. intelligence agents blackmail Robert Redford and his eccentric team of security experts into stealing a code-breaking "black box" from a Soviet-funded genius. But Redford uncovers a bigger conspiracy, and he and his "sneakers" (Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix and David Strathairn) must save themselves and the world economy by stealing the box back from the blackmailers.

Son of the Morning Star 1991 3.3 stars Drama Rated: PG-13

until 01-Oct-2011

Gary Cole stars as Gen. George Armstrong Custer in this Emmy Award-winning epic that recounts the events that culminated in Custer's fateful showdown with Chief Crazy Horse (Rodney A. Grant) at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Rosanna Arquette co-stars as wife Libby Custer, Dean Stockwell as Gen. Philip Sheridan and Stanley Anderson as Ulysses S. Grant in this historical drama based on the best-seller by Evan S. Connell.

Son of the Morning Star: Episode 1 1991 90 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

until 01-Oct-2011

Son of the Morning Star: Episode 2 1991 94 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

until 01-Oct-2011

Memphis Belle 1990 3.8 stars 108 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

A U.S. bomber plane's crew is ordered to hit a heavily defended German city. Capt. Dearborn (Matthew Modine) leads his men into battle while their commander and a public relations officer (John Lithgow) anxiously await the squad's return. Amid friction between the captain and his co-pilot (Tate Donovan), a scandal erupts when it's learned that a medical officer has been dishonest. Based on the real-life World War II plane's final mission.

Heat Wave 1990 3.2 stars 92 mins Drama Rated: NR

Set in the Watts section of Los Angeles in the summer of 1965, this tense account of racial tensions boiling over boasts a sterling cast, including Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, James Earl Jones and David Strathairn. Based on true events, the film chronicles a week of rioting -- triggered by a minor traffic arrest of a black man by two white police officers -- as seen through the eyes of a rookie Los Angeles Times reporter (Underwood).

Judgment 1990 3.0 stars 95 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

Two parents (Keith Carradine and Blythe Danner) are horrified to discover that their son has been molested by their parish priest (David Strathairn). The devout couple is torn between their faith and their need to protect their family and shocked when it appears the church is ready to close ranks to take care of its own. Based on a true story about a predatory Louisiana priest, this film dramatizes what has become the church's worst nightmare.

Day One 1989 3.1 stars 140 mins Drama Rated: NR

This Emmy-winning docudrama chronicles America's development of the atomic bomb, centering on the collaboration and conflict among Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard (Michael Tucker), Gen. Leslie Groves (Brian Dennehy) and scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (David Strathairn). With World War II raging, the three men struggle with moral, professional and political dilemmas as they work to build the ultimate weapon. Richard Dysart plays Harry Truman.

Eight Men Out 1988 3.7 stars 120 mins Drama Rated: PG

John Cusack and D.B. Sweeney star as disgruntled Chicago White Sox players who agree to lose the World Series for a big payoff in John Sayles's adaptation of Eliot Asinof's account of the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal. Owner Charles Comiskey underpays his players despite their talent, leaving the door open for gambling syndicate head Arnold Rothstein to swoop in. Some players have second thoughts, but it might not be enough to save their careers.

Matewan

1987 3.8 stars 142 mins Drama Rated: PG-13

Well-intentioned labor leader Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper) arrives in Matewan, W. Va., to unionize the the coal mine workers. But his efforts to organize the coal company workers spark one of the most violent incidents in the history of the 1920-21 Coal Wars. Tensions grow between the minors and the company men, igniting a powder keg of racial hostility, corruption and betrayal. John Sayles directs; James Earl Jones also stars.

At Close Range 1986 3.4 stars 115 mins Drama Rated: R

Reunited with his career criminal father (Christopher Walken) for the first time in years, tough teen Brad Whitewood Jr. (Sean Penn) thinks he's found his ticket to an exciting life of crime, only to learn that his amoral father is more vicious than young Brad ever imagined. Mary Stuart Masterson portrays Penn's love interest, and David Strathairn plays an epileptic thug in this gripping thriller inspired by a true story.

When Nature Calls 1985 2.1 stars 88 mins Comedy Rated: NR

until 01-Apr-2010

Leave it to the addled brain trust at Troma Studios to concoct a vulgar spoof of Hollywood "nature" films. Greg Van Waspish and his witless family move to the mountains in search of peace and tranquility, but can't seem to find it anywhere. Featuring cameos by Gates McFadden, Willie May, Morey Amsterdam and G. Gordon Liddy, the movie also includes parody previews to three nonexistent films.

The Brother From Another Planet Nominated For/Won Awards

1984 3.4 stars 109 mins Independent Rated: R

until 20-Nov-2011

A humanoid slave from another planet (Joe Morton) escapes to the mean streets of Harlem. The people of the neighborhood are slowly won over by the slave's technical wizardry, and they adopt him as a "brother." His new friends then protect him from the two alien bounty hunters on his tail. A heartfelt look at race and belonging from writer/director John Sayles.

Iceman 1984 3.2 stars 101 mins Sci-Fi & Fantasy Rated: PG

until 26-Jun-2010

When a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal (John Lone) is thawed out of the ice during a scientific expedition and begins to function again, anthropologist Dr. Stanley Shepard (Timothy Hutton) acts as the go-between and begins to instruct (and learn from) the man. Shepard dubs the iceman "Charlie," but it isn't long before Shepard winds up in a desperate fight to keep his new friend from becoming the center of a media circus.

Silkwood

1983 3.7 stars 131 mins Drama Rated: R

While working at an Oklahoma nuclear power plant, Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep) becomes exposed to radiation. When the official investigation is tampered with, Karen conducts her own inquiry … but she disappears under suspicious circumstances before its completion. Kurt Russell costars in this fact-based drama, which was nominated for multiple Oscars and earned Cher a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe for her minimalist performance.

Return of the Secaucus 7 1980 3.3 stars 107 mins Independent Rated: R

until 20-Nov-2011

Director John Sayles's debut feature was shot for just $45,000 in 25 days and paved the way for Hollywood blockbuster The Big Chill, which followed closely on its heels. It's the late 1960s, and seven friends are arrested in Secaucus, NJ, on their way to a march at the Pentagon. Jump ahead 10 years, and the close-knit group reconvenes to catch up on each other's lives.

FeedFliks Community	Top Lists	Netflix Graphs	Lists
Become a Facebook Fan Follow us on Twitter Rate on the AppGallery	• FeedFliks Leaderboard • Most Queued on DVD • Most Queued on IW • Most Recommeded	• DVD Vs Instant Watch • Blu-ray Adoption • Subscriber Growth • Shipments by Weekday • Average Rental Periods • Popular Plans • Queue Sizes	• Streaming Central • Netflix New Releases • Netflix New on IW • Netflix Top 100

Please rate FeedFliks on the Netflix App Gallery Thanks!

David Strathairn

70 Movies Starring David Strathairn

Join FeedFliks and you'll be able to add these titles directly to your DVD or Instant Queue