Eric
USA 1974Starring: Mark Hamill, John Savage
Synopsys:
Based on Doris Lund's book about her son.
It is the story of Eric Swenson (John Savage), a star soccer athlete who discovers he has leukemia. Eric struggles with the disease and becomes determined to live his life to the fullest in the time he has left. Mark portrays Paul Swenson, Eric's younger brother. Early on we are given images to hint at a strong, positive relationship between the family, and between these brothers in particular. Paul even displays over his bed a poster of Eric, in a classic soccer action shot, so we can easily imagine he looks up to his older brother, almost as a hero. In the role of middle child Mark can be seen during brief segments of 'family moments' throughout the film. However, his prominent scene comes when Eric, while treating his brother to a stop at their favorite fast food drive in, finally admits to Paul that he has leukemia. In a very short period of time, Mark gives an outstanding performance as he displays the rampage of emotions that young Paul is experiencing. Shock, anger, pain, and even the first signs of realization for what lie ahead can be seen as Paul bolts from the car, physically strikes out when Eric catches up with him, and then finally breaks down in his brother's arms, pleading between sobs, "Please don't die."
During the remainder of the story Mark has opportunity to give the viewer a glimpse of what it's like to be an older adolescent who has to face the fact he may lose his brother and friend. Mark does this very well. Paul is often seen offering support and comfort, however subtle it might be, to other members of the family. And his moments with Eric are always just the right mix of sincere affection and the slightly strained jocularity that sometimes comes in such tense situations.
As the story ends with Eric dying, Mark again fills the role of caring brother wonderfully. Simply telling Eric that he was "a wonderful brother, the best," Paul then offers a comforting embrace to their little sister - he'll have to be the stronger, older brother now.
