Memories of Me 1988

Abbie Polin, a dedicated heart surgeon hailing from the bustling streets of New York, faces an unexpected life-altering moment when, during a critical surgical procedure, he suffers a heart attack. With remarkable expertise, he guides his colleagues through the chaos, instructing them on precise measures to alleviate the damage. Following this harrowing incident, Abbie finds himself in a hospital room, monitored closely as he battles the enveloping lethargy. This struggle invokes a poignant childhood memory of resisting sleep, a time when he felt the disconnection from his unsympathetic father.

In a reflective moment, Abbie watches nostalgic home movies alongside Lisa, the kind pediatrician who has captured his romantic interest. As they share the footage, she inquires about his family background. Abbie candidly reveals the truth about his parents’ divorce, which occurred when he was just seven years old. Lisa is taken aback to learn that his father is still alive, as Abbie had previously spoken of him as if he were no longer around. His mother resides in Vermont, creating an emotional distance that accentuates their strained familial ties.

Driven by a blend of obligation and a longing for reconciliation, Abbie ventures to Los Angeles to reconnect with his father, Abe, who is known in Hollywood as the “king of the extras.” Their relationship has been fraught with tension and distance over the years. Upon his arrival, Abbie finds himself accompanying Abe to a photo-shoot where he is cast as a patient in a hospital scene, a role that highlights both their estrangement and the absurdity of life in the film industry.

Later, they visit a bar frequented by extras, where Abe’s charisma shines, illustrating his popularity among peers. However, when Abbie discloses the reason for his visit, mentioning the heart attack, Abe’s demeanor shifts dramatically. He retreats from the emotional confrontation, choosing instead to call Abbie from a pay phone in the bar, emblematic of their fraught relationship.

Despite Abe’s insistence that Abbie stay at his apartment, he refuses to take time off from work during this reunion. The tension escalates when, unexpectedly, Lisa arrives for a surprise visit, and her warm rapport with Abe starkly contrasts with Abbie’s strained interactions. As they bond over shared stories, it becomes increasingly evident that Abe exhibits troubling signs of memory loss, which both Abbie and Lisa note with concern.

As Abbie and Lisa contemplate returning to New York City, Abe takes the opportunity to redirect their plans to explorations in Mexican LA. His growing confusion becomes more pronounced, prompting Abbie to seek medical attention for his father. After thorough examinations, the devastating news breaks – Abe is diagnosed with an inoperable brain aneurysm, a prognosis that underscores the fragility of their time together.

In the face of impending loss, father and son experience a heartfelt renewal of their relationship. They engage in cherished activities previously unshared, such as riding ponies and fishing, creating invaluable memories. Before time runs out, Abbie assists Abe in securing a speaking role in a film, a touching gesture of love that closes the distance between them. This journey through adversity ultimately fosters a bond that transcends years of misunderstanding, highlighting the enduring power of family connection.