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Watch this Scene with De Niro’s Character Meeting his Daughter After Nine Years

posted a year ago by BeaSouth (3280)
11 replies | jump to latest

The YouTube link below shows the scene in which De Niro’s Walsh and his estranged daughter Denise meet after a nine year absence. Denise was played by then 14 year old Danielle DuClos. This interaction was so well acted using so few words. In the strained reuniting, De Niro goes from joy to regret to awkwardness all of which he portrays almost entirely with his face and demeanor. DuClos uses this searching and unflinching expression with barely any lines. Walsh’s reaction to her then offering him - long absent from her life - the little money she’s amassed from babysitting is truly heart-rending. De Niro’s acting in this small scene compares to his best work in Raging Bull or Awakenings or Good Fellas. It’s enthralling to watch.

https://youtu.be/jsADZKBYfyc?feature=shared

[–] Seperatrix (1213) a year ago

I've seen this film at least a dozen times over the years. It's a great scene that stands out in the film no question.

[–] BeaSouth (3280) a year ago

I was on the MovieChat page for this movie and I saw your posts about it from like a year ago (or maybe older?) which inspired me to go back and re-watch. I really thought it was fantastic film. Whoever did the casting was a genius. Yaphet Kotto was incredible and Dennis Farina was able to play his role both comically and menacingly. One character after the next just tore up their scenes.

I’m on a kick where I’ve been trying to find or re-watch quality 1980’s movies. I miss the movies from that era that were mostly for entertainment without political baggage

[–] Nanook (1937) a year ago

Heh. I just rewatched this great, underexposed film for the nth time a few days ago. It's a standout scene in a standout movie with standout actors. The scene just happens to have one of my favorite lines/jokes delivered by Charles Grodin in it, as well, as icing on the cake. (IIRC, one of his three brief lines in the scene)

I've said the point below before, but this scene is a perfect example of my point: for me, a lot of the pathos in the scene comes from Grodin's silent, respectful beholding of an important, emotional moment in a father/daughter relationship.

The film is one of my favorite examples of platonic on-screen chemistry between two actors. Either could have easily stolen most any scene they shared, but both actors were so generous with their performances, and let each make their roles so great by doing so.

[edit] May I nominate My Favorite Year (1982) if you haven't seen it lately, or ever? It's another gem that doesn't get talked about enough, imo.

[edit2] Oh hell, I did an advanced IMDb search for a few more favorites that may have slipped away from some "best of the 80s" lists. These are all 8/10+ from me:

Witness (1985)
Tootsie (1982)
Never Cry Wolf (1983)
Excalibur (1981)
Lonesome Dove (1989)
Paris, Texas (1984)
After Hours (I) (1985)
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
48 Hrs. (1982)
Top Secret! (1984)
2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
The Right Stuff (1983)
Three Men and a Baby (1987)
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982)
Withnail & I (1987)
Fletch (1985)
The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)
The Hidden (1987)
Deathtrap (1982)
Clockwise (1986)

I deliberately omitted horror. Could do a whole separate list on that genre alone.

[–] BeaSouth (3280) a year ago

I genuinely appreciate your time and suggestions Nanook. You were very generous with this response. I am going to take your advice and watch as many of these as I can get my hands on (some I’ve seen). I’ll try to send you my reactions as well.

[–] Nanook (1937) a year ago

It is my pleasure! Feel no pressure to react to each one, but any you feel like giving feedback I'd love to hear. Especially My Favorite Year; that and Midnight Run I consider some of my favorites of the 80s that somehow just didn't quite make it in to that decade's zeitgeist, though they certainly deserved to, imo.

[–] JFZ (1459) a year ago

It's great you like this movie, but it sickens me that you're probably using Netflix. Cancel that toxic shit.

[–] Nanook (1937) a year ago

Rest easy, then. I'm on a friend's account, but haven't used it in years.

[–] Interlepos (1807) 3 months ago

I thought the daughter deserved more from her father in this scene. At least an "I'll call you" assurance inside the house, and especially after she offered him the money outside. He didn't even crack a smile when he drove away! A bit cold, if you ask me.

[–] ak47wong (563) 3 months ago

I disagree. The scene is perfect. Jack is in no position to promise to call her. She's a minor, she has a stepdad and a younger brother, he hasn't seen her since she was a preschooler, everyone has moved on. He was deeply moved by her gesture of offering money and gave her a close, warm hug. He didn't crack a smile as he drove away because he knew he might never see her again. It was a heartbreaking moment for both of them. For just a few brief minutes their lives intersected, and then he was gone again. It was a sad but beautiful scene. There was nothing cold about it at all.

[–] BeaSouth (3280) 3 months ago

Great post. I agree 100%

[–] Interlepos (1807) 3 months ago

I respect your perspective, but what do you mean by saying he might never see her again? Why would you assume that? He could call, visit, or even start a relationship with his own daughter. As her father, he's in a strong position to promise to stay in touch. I’ve never heard of a situation where a father calling his daughter would be out of place.

She’s a minor, so what? It seemed like she was longing for his approval and love. She wasn't the typical angry teen you often see in other movies, resenting the dad who left—she came across as a sweet kid eager to connect. Yet, he gave her nothing, not even a smile. Yes, he was nice to her, and he gave her a hug, but there wasn’t any warmth. And it seemed all about him. His issues with the breakup.

This is just my honest take on the scene. Your interpretation is also valid.