Despite it’s melancholy tone, The Yellow Handkerchief is an enjoyable and fascinating character study of three outcasts. They are exceptionally portrayed by veteran actor William Hurt, Kristen Stewart, of Twilight fame, and an exciting newcomer, Eddie Redmayne, who’s character’s goofiness brings humor into the film.
While a romance blossoms during the course of the film, the back story of a past love affair is revealed through flashbacks and a painful admission. The journey of The Yellow Handkerchief arrives to an emotionally powerful finish.
Lonesome Road Ahead
Newly released inmate, Brett Hanson (William Hurt) gives his prison digs one last look before leaving. But, once outside the Louisiana penitentiary, no one’s there to meet him. So, the ex-con walks down the road to the nearby small town. His is confused by the noisy activity of a crowded café dinner, and overwhelmed by choice of beer to order from the waitress.
Brett curiously observes Gordy (Eddie Redmayne) a nerdy and slightly built, young man. Gordy’s making a lame attempt to flirt with the restaurant’s cute cashier, but fails. Next, the ex-convict’s attention is diverted by a young, pretty brunette, Martine (Kristen Stewart), outside teasing a teen-aged boy. Their playfulness ceases the moment his blonde-haired girlfriend shows up.
Three’s Company
Rejected, Martine enters the café, and quickly spots the sad-eyed Brett. Unfortunately, she soon gets the attention of the goofy geek. In a desperate attempt to make the other boy jealous, she asks Gordy to drive her to the town’s ferry. Just before she gets inside his car, she notices that the dejected older man has missed the last bus out of town. She offers Brett lift, feeling safer with the added company of the fatherly adult than alone with strange-acting Gordy.
Circumstances arise that take the threesome on an extended road trip. Gordy has been traveling aimlessly after a family misunderstanding. The genius nerd has been funding his traveling adventure across the country by repairing computers “that can’t be fixed”. Martine has know where to be, nor will be missed by her neglectful, truck-driving father.
Only Brett seems to have a travel destination, yet he’s not quite ready to share it. Soon enough, his past is exposed after a scuffle ends in his arrest. He finally comes clean to his new-found friends and reveals his six-month long incarcerated for manslaughter as well as a past marriage.
Brett’s confession will provide their road journey a purposeful destination after all.
The Cast and Crew of The Yellow Handkerchief
- The Yellow Handkerchief stars William Hurt, Maria Bello, Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne.
- Directed by Udayan Prasad. Written by Erin Dignam, based on a short story Pete Hamill. Cinematography by Chris Menges. Edited by Christopher Tellesfsen. Production designed by Monroe Kelly. Original music by Jack Livesey.
- Produced by Arthur Cohn. Executive producer is Lillian Birnbaum. U.S. released by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
- (Running Time: 96 min)
- (Rated: PG-13; for sexual content, some violence, language and thematic elements.)
