Running on Empty- Family Dynamics

Taking a look at the Pope family we can see that they did not go through the same family crises that most families go through. This could perhaps be due to the parents running away from their past, putting the family in an extraordinary situation which in turn creates a different way to cope. We can see that the older son, Danny, (played by River Phoenix) who has grown up running away from his parents past life seems to be able to cope as he does not know anything else. Only when he is confronted with a decision that would bring a stop to the running, we as the audience start to see that he isn’t as composed as his exterior makes him out to be. Like most teenagers the issue of going to university arises but in Danny’s case this decision is truly life changing as if he went to university he would never be able to see his family again.

Danny also finds a romantic interest, Lorna Phillips (played by Martha Plimpton) and comparing the two families we can see that they can’t be more different.  In Lorna’s case, which is most common in most teens of that age, we can see that she is very private about her life towards her parents and feels that they do not truly understand her; this is shown by her constant disputes against her farther.  In Danny’s case his connection with his family is very warm and loving, as they show understanding towards each other due to the situation that they are in.  The closeness of the family and the support that they provide each other makes Danny’s decision to go to university is more perplexing then it is for most teenagers.  Danny’s father engrained that “we are only as strong as a weakest unit”, making Danny believe that he needed them in order for them to continue the life that they are living. This was opposed to the family needing Danny, which is similar to most families, the classic empty nest syndrome.

Lorna was a predominant figure that helps Danny see that he should not be held back by the regrettable decision made by his parents. Danny liking towards Lorna leads him to disclose his true feelings about his given situation and the confusion that follows, yet Lorna stays by his side making him feel less alone given her understanding.  This gave Danny a bit more security, as well as his acceptance to Julliard but this also made his decision more confusing. When Danny made up his mind to stay, bringing it up to his dad was a different situation altogether. As the family was picking up to run again Danny brings up the topic to his father, which was not new for him as his wife had already made arrangements for his going to university. His father however is torn by the thought of losing his son as seeing him again would be near impossible. Refusing his son’s choice led Danny to accept the choice as this only confirmed his place needed within the family. Only before they leave Danny’s father lets him go so he can truly live his own life without the consequences put forth because of the parents past. As Danny is left behind and his family drives off, we the audience get a sense of relief and sadness at the same time as this choice although common to most families the situation of potentially never seeing ones family again is truly much harder to determine the outcome.