Rabbit, Run (1970)

Rabbit, Run (1970) is a cinematic interpretation of John Updike's renowned 1960 novel, which was later expanded with three sequels and a novella. The story revolves around Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom (James Caan), who returns home from his unfulfilling job to find his pregnant wife Janice (Carrie Snodgrass) in a state of disarray. After a brief moment of reflection, Harry impulsively decides to leave, embarking on a meandering and directionless journey. Set in the early 1960s in a suburb of Brewer, Pennsylvania, the film captures Updike's vivid sense of place and time, from the radio tunes during Harry's all-night drive to Virginia to the counterculture fashion and rebellious attitudes of his sister. Brewer, a mid-sized, working-class town, reflects the urban decay and unrest of the era. Harry, once a celebrated high school basketball star, now feels forgotten and bewildered by his lack of recognition. Driven by a childlike narcissism and the belief that he is destined for greater things, Harry's journey takes him to his old basketball coach, who introduces him to Ruth Leonard, a part-time prostitute. Harry moves in with Ruth, but when Janice goes into labor, he leaves Ruth and eventually returns to Janice, their two-year-old son Nelson, and newborn daughter Becky. He takes a job selling used cars for his father-in-law, but his restlessness persists, leading to a lack of domestic harmony. Harry's impulsive nature and inability to meet the expectations of those around him—including Ruth, a minister, his parents, in-laws, wife, and son—drive him to flee again. However, he remains oblivious to the consequences of his actions, even as they lead to tragedy.