The Hero 2017
Directed by
Brett Haley
Made by
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Plot Summary
71-year-old seasoned cowboy actor Lee Hayden finds himself trapped in a monotonous cycle, endlessly recording the same tagline for a Texas barbecue sauce, which leads to his growing frustration. During a drive, he receives a grim phone call from his agent Peter informing him that there are no significant roles available, but he promises to keep searching.
Things take a turn when a doctor delivers bad news: Lee is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Determined not to let this news define him, Lee reaches out to an old friend, Jeremy, with whom he shared the short-lived TV series “Cattle Drive.” They indulge in some weed, and amidst their conversation, Jeremy encourages Lee to explore his dreams. Inspired, Lee expresses his desire to create a film based on a recurring dream he’s had, setting off a whirlwind of events.
Charlotte, a young woman who buys drugs from Jeremy, captures Lee’s attention. Despite their age difference, there’s an undeniable spark between them. Throughout the narrative, the audience is given glimpses of Lee’s dream world, which includes cryptic visions of a man hanging from a tree, blending reality with fantasy.
The story delves into Lee’s tumultuous past as he reconnects with his ex-wife Valarie and attempts to reach out to their estranged daughter Lucy. After a long time apart, they finally meet up during a tennis match, but Lucy, now a successful advertising executive, seems annoyed at Lee’s apparent disinterest in her life. Lee’s attempt to rekindle their relationship is juxtaposed with a prestigious award ceremony where he is honored for his work in The Hero, a role he’s been overshadowed by for decades.
As the event unfolds, Lee feels a wave of insecurities about his career. He meets with Charlotte again, who agrees to accompany him to the awards ceremony. They indulge in drinks, and Charlotte discreetly adds something to Lee’s drink, which leads to a night full of forgotten escapades. The next morning, Lee learns that their wild night didn’t include the one thing he was hoping for, causing him to ponder his desires and reality.
As he navigates the aftermath of the awards and the resurgence of his career, Lee’s potential breakthrough in a major film brings both excitement and anxiety. His audition reveals the emotional depth of his character, and while he struggles to remember lines, the director remains supportive, believing in Lee’s talent. However, Lee finds himself grappling with his diagnosis, his relationship with Charlotte, and his responsibilities as a father.
Their bond deepens as Charlotte urges Lee to confront his illness and pursue treatment, leading to heartfelt conversations about life, love, and mortality. Lee’s realization that he needs to share his cancer diagnosis with his family unfolds amidst moments of revelation and introspection.
At Valarie’s art show, the dynamics of their past resurface, and a meeting with Lucy leads to an emotional confrontation, forcing Lee to face his shortcomings as a father. Finally compelled by Charlotte’s unwavering support, Lee decides to take steps towards treatment, symbolizing his fight against the disease and for his life.
On his 72nd birthday, the truths and poetic reflections from Charlotte come to light, provoking introspection about love and loss while setting the stage for his future. The film culminates with echoes of Lee’s journey—a journey that, despite its hardships, echoes the endurance of the human spirit as he prepares for yet another take on life. The closing scene brings a familiar touch as Lee once again finds himself in front of the camera, signifying the relentless cycle of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Timeline
Frustration of a Cowboy Actor
71-year-old cowboy actor Lee Hayden finds himself stuck in a monotonous routine, continuously recording the same tagline for a Texas barbecue sauce. This repetitive work leads to his growing frustration and questions about his fading career.
A Grim Diagnosis
During a drive, Lee receives a distressing phone call from his agent, Peter, who informs him that there are no significant roles available. Shortly after, a doctor delivers the devastating news that Lee has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, rattling his world and forcing him to confront his mortality.
Reconnecting with an Old Friend
Determined not to let his diagnosis define him, Lee reaches out to his old friend Jeremy, reminiscing about their time on the short-lived TV series 'Cattle Drive.' They indulge in some weed, which leads to a heartwarming conversation about pursuing dreams and ignites Lee's desire to create a film inspired by a recurring dream he has.
A Spark with Charlotte
While hanging out with Jeremy, Lee meets Charlotte, a young woman who buys drugs from him. Despite their age difference, a spark ignites between them, leading Lee to reflect on the depths of connection and potential new beginnings amidst his struggles.
Glimpses into Lee's Dreams
Throughout the narrative, the audience is offered glimpses into Lee's vivid dream world, highlighting his subconscious thoughts. These dreams are cryptic and haunting, featuring imagery such as a man hanging from a tree, which blends his reality with fantasy.
Reconnecting with Family
Lee attempts to reconnect with his ex-wife, Valarie, and their estranged daughter, Lucy. During an awkward meeting at a tennis match, Lucy expresses her frustration over Lee's apparent disinterest in her life, revealing the emotional distance that has developed over the years.
Honored at an Award Ceremony
Lee is honored at a prestigious award ceremony for his work in 'The Hero,' a role that has overshadowed him for decades. As the event unfolds, he grapples with insecurities about his fading career, feeling a mix of pride and disillusionment.
A Night of Forgotten Escapades
After the awards ceremony, Charlotte meets Lee again and agrees to accompany him, leading to a night filled with drinks and debauchery. The next morning, Lee wakes up to find that their wild night didn't go as he hoped, causing him to ponder the reality of his desires.
Struggles of an Audition
As Lee navigates the resurgence of his career, he auditions for a significant role in a major film. Although the director is supportive and sees potential in Lee, he struggles to remember his lines, battling with the weight of his diagnosis, his budding relationship, and fatherly responsibilities.
Deepening Bonds with Charlotte
Lee's bond with Charlotte grows stronger as she encourages him to confront his illness and consider treatment options. Their heartfelt conversations revolve around life, love, and the harsh realities of mortality, revealing the depth of their connection.
Facing Family Truths at Valarie's Art Show
At Valarie's art show, the dynamics of Lee's past come to the forefront. An emotional confrontation with Lucy forces Lee to confront his shortcomings as a father, adding complexity to his journey of redemption.
Taking Steps Towards Treatment
Compelled by Charlotte's unwavering support, Lee makes the decision to take steps towards cancer treatment. This moment symbolizes his fight against the disease and reflects his desire to reclaim his life amidst the growing challenges.
Reflections on His 72nd Birthday
On his 72nd birthday, Lee reflects on his journey while contemplating Charlotte's poetic insights. These moments of introspection highlight themes of love and loss, setting the stage for Lee's future and newfound resilience.
The Relentless Cycle of Hope
The film culminates with Lee's journey emphasizing the endurance of the human spirit. In the final scene, he finds himself once again in front of the camera, signifying a relentless cycle of hope and resilience amidst adversity.
Characters
Lee Hayden (Nick Offerman)
Lee Hayden is a 71-year-old cowboy actor wrestling with his identity and purpose as he faces a terminal illness. Throughout the film, he evolves from a man trapped in nostalgia and frustration to someone who reevaluates his relationships and dreams. His complexities and vulnerabilities make him a relatable character navigating life’s uncertainties.
Charlotte (Krysten Ritter)
Charlotte represents a beacon of hope in Lee's life, igniting his desire to embrace creativity and love despite their age difference. Her boldness and whimsical spirit encourage Lee to confront difficult emotions and his diagnosis, showing the transformative power of connection in overcoming personal struggles.
Peter (Frank Collison)
Peter, Lee's agent, embodies the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, providing a reminder of the fleeting nature of careers. His efforts to support Lee in a time of scarcity highlight the challenges faced by actors in their golden years, showcasing the loyalty hidden within their professional relationship.
Valarie (Laura Prepon)
Valarie, Lee's ex-wife, brings forth unresolved issues from their past, presenting a critical element of Lee's character arc. Their interactions reveal emotional scars and the possibility of healing, serving as a reminder of how relationships shape our lives, for better or for worse.
Lucy (Katharine Ross)
Lucy, Lee's estranged daughter, represents the consequences of Lee's past choices and his desire for redemption. Through her character, the film explores the complexities of family relationships, especially during times of crisis, showcasing the challenges of understanding and forgiveness.
Jeremy (Max Gail)
Jeremy serves as Lee's old friend and a source of advice, enabling him to reconnect with his dreams and aspirations. His character infuses lightheartedness into the narrative, demonstrating the importance of friendship and support during challenging times.
Setting
Time period
Modern Day
The events of the film occur in the present day, highlighting contemporary issues such as the struggles of aging in the entertainment industry and the healthcare challenges posed by serious illness. This time period emphasizes the realities many face regarding their legacies and personal connections as they confront life-altering situations.
Location
Texas
The movie primarily takes place in Texas, known for its vast landscapes and rich cowboy culture. It serves as a backdrop for Lee Hayden's journey as an actor and an individual facing personal challenges, reflecting both the ruggedness of his character and the warmth of his connections.
Themes
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Acceptance
The theme of acceptance is prevalent as Lee faces his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Throughout the film, he navigates through rejection and the pain of his past relationships, ultimately coming to terms with his reality and the support from those around him. This journey of acceptance resonates deeply, as Lee learns to embrace love and the fragility of life.
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, particularly Lee's strained relationships with his ex-wife and estranged daughter. The film explores themes of regret and the desire for reconnection, showcasing poignant moments that highlight the complexity of familial love, disappointment, and reconciliation in the face of hardship.
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Legacy
As a seasoned actor, Lee's quest for significance in his craft and life embodies the theme of legacy. He grapples with the impact of his past roles and seeks to create a meaningful film reflecting his journey. The narrative illustrates how one shapes their legacy through choices, relationships, and the courage to face one's truths.
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