McShane builds into the role throughout this metaphor of waiting. Waiting to let go of the things in his life and coming to terms with whatever was killing him slowly, military life, loss, divorce, family, shame, childhood dreams, joy. It's a backdrop for the end for the lead, where dialogue becomes less meaningful, his sunken dreams washed up, perhaps mythically on an abandoned shoreline. Ultimately he has followed orders to the end, perhaps even beyond into purgatory itself.
American Star seems a misleading title somewhat, but it's an interesting and captivating narrative for those more introspective evenings.
American Star seems a misleading title somewhat, but it's an interesting and captivating narrative for those more introspective evenings.