City by the Sea, released in theaters on September 6, 2002, presents a bleak and poignant look at the corrosive cycle of crime and family legacy. The film stars Robert De Niro as Vincent LaMarca, a decorated New York homicide detective whose life is haunted by the public execution of his estranged father, a man who was also a criminal.
Vincent’s professional and personal worlds collide when he discovers that the prime suspect in a murder case is his own estranged son, Joey LaMarca (James Franco).
The plot is a tense and emotional cat-and-mouse game, with Vincent torn between his duty as a police officer and his love for his son, who has become a heroin addict. The film’s narrative is a descent into the dark underbelly of Long Island, a world where Vincent’s past mistakes and his family’s reputation are impossible to escape.
The stellar supporting cast includes Frances McDormand as Vincent’s girlfriend, Michelle, Eliza Dushku as Joey’s girlfriend, Gina and William Forsythe as Spyder.
George Dzundza, Patti LuPone, John Doman and Nestor Serrano round out the cast.
The film is based on a true story, which lends it a compelling, raw authenticity, but it was largely overlooked upon its release.
Michael Caton-Jones (Doc Hollywood, This Boy’s Life, The Jackal) directed the film.
Robert De Niro and James Franco in City by the Sea (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for City by the Sea
City by the Sea grossed $8.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office.
The film would gross $29.4 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three stars in his review.
Legacy
City by the Sea‘s legacy is that of a quietly respected piece of filmmaking that showcases a different kind of performance from De Niro.
Eschewing the more bombastic roles of his past, he delivers a restrained, somber portrayal of a man trapped by his family’s history.
City by the Sea is a film that asks difficult questions about responsibility, redemption, and whether we can ever truly escape the shadows of our parents’ lives. While it may not be as well-known as other crime dramas, it stands as a powerful and emotionally charged entry in the genre, deserving of a second look for its strong performances and unflinching exploration of its themes.
