| | | | Light of Day
(1987)
atti (JOAN JETT) and Joe (MICHAEL J. FOX) play every night in a rock band called the 'Barbusters.'
Joe works in a factory, but Patti's life is solely rock 'n' roll, and she indulges in criminal actions in order to sustain her freedom and feed her illegitimate son Benji. Their Mother (GENA ROWLANDS) doesn't approve of their lifestyle, neither though does Joe who often clashes with the sorts of scum that Patti allows near her son.
When their band goes on tour, Benji is involuntarily used in shoplifting food for the band. Patti, stubborn and defiant, won't listen to Joe's protests and he struggles to please the matriarchal structure in his family.
The subtlety of the film becomes apparent by the eventual revelation of its plot - their mother has cancer and they must try to reconcile before her death.
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The film plays host to accomplished acting performances from Michael J. Fox, Gena Rowlands and Joan Jett. It is a mature emotional drama which gives brutal weight to the trials of the dysfunctional family.
In the scenes with her dying mother, Jett shines.
Perhaps the movie's main problem is that it tries to be several different kinds of movie, none of which are explored fully. At first it is a blue-collar, Rock n' Roll story, then an incredibly heavy family drama. Once the touring rock show disbands, the story whips back to the family. It is only once the mother becomes seriously ill that the real power of this movie seeps out.
The film was heralded with advance press as a rock 'n' roll film, and yet in my mind, that aspect of the film is merely the hors d'oeurve to a much meatier course. It is ironic then that Joan Jett, the movie's real-life rock star, gives such a competent dramatic performance. The always dependable Fox also gives a performance of great depth, as the conciliatory factory worker and guitarist.
In truth, it is only occasionally that I would be willing to relax with a copy of 'Light Of Day' - at least past the 'Rock n' Roll section.' Powerful stuff, but as a piece of work by Paul Schrader, you would be correct to assume that it didn't succumb to the trends of the decade like other popcorn-style movies.
Verdict: Starts off as Rock n' Roll....getting heavier....cant get out....if i can... just.. hold.. on...
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Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor has a cameo in this movie as a member of 'The Problems', one of the bands.  -Thanks to Brian Pumphrey
Michael McKean previously portrayed a heavy metal musician in the Rob Reiner mock rockumentary "This is Spinal Tap" (1984). -Thanks to Robert Baum
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The original title of the script was "Born in the USA." Paul Schrader asked Bruce Springsteen to write a title song for the movie. After Springsteen wrote it, he liked the song so much, he used it for his multi-platinum album of the same name. As a replacement, Springsteen later wrote the song "Light of Day". That is why Springsteen thanks Schrader in the liner notes of the album.
80's rocker Fiona (Flanagan) was offered Joan Jett's role, but couldn't do it because she was starring in another movie with Bob Dylan called "Hearts of Fire". -Thanks to Jon Roman
Michael J. Fox wrote and performed the song "Got No Place To Go" in the movie, The full length version appears on the soundtrack. -Thanks to Jessie
This film was actually offered to Bruce Springsteen as a acting project (for what became the Michael J. Fox role) when he was thinking about going into film acting. He ultimately passed on this project (and dismissed the idea of going into films altogether).
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|  |  |  | | Light of Day
Locations |
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Euclid Tavern on the east side of Cleveland was used for some scenes.
one scene in "light of day" takes place inside of a shopping mall. That mall is the Yorktown Mall in Lombard, Illinois. The mall interior looks much different now, and it is my understanding that funds received from the location shoot contributed largely to the massive renovation the mall underwent soon after the movie was filmed. [Thanks to Emmett]
Deconess Hospital was in a scene used for when the mom was sick. [Thanks to Andie and Terry Zona]
The "Game Zone" arcade in the movie was shot in an old abandoned fast food
restaurant in Blue Island, Illinois. It's a south suburb of Chicago. The arcade is now a "Big Boys" fast food diner...but was succesful and still running today. There were several other shots in Blue Island, including some house and neighborhood exteriors. [Thanks to Thomas Byrne]
Marshallan Factory at the corner of W. 85th and Franklin Blvd. [Thanks to Kris]
Can you help? Do you know any of the Cleveland, Ohio filming locations used for Light of Day? [Please send them in]
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A smart collection of rock tunes as played by the band 'The Barbusters' during the film. The title track was penned by Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen but the cd is out of print.
Special note, the track 'Got No Place to Go' is actually performed and sung by Michael J. Fox - not just a good actor with impeccable comic timing.
One cue from Thomas Newman's brooding score is also included.
On the original single, the title track "Light of Day" is performed by "The Barbusters" On the flip side is "Road Runner" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts". -Thanks to Pete Dettori
The last band featured was named in the movie " The Huntz". The song performed by them is called "Rabbits Got a Gun"... The musicians were called "Joined Forces", from the Hartford, Ct. area. They consisted of: Marc Diamond, Corky Delissio, Jim Bell and Joey Aparo. -Thanks to Don Cook
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Soundtrack Available:
Used On CD
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