MIRACLE MILE

USA | 1989 | 35mm | 87 min.
Director: Steve De Jarnatt
Cast: Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, John Agar
It’s the end of the world and only Harry Washello (Edwards) knows it. Late for a date with Julie (Winningham), Harry learns in a phone booth that nuclear weapons have been launched. Is this a joke? Will anyone believe him? Can annihilation be prevented? Kick off Bleak Week in Madison with Steve De Jarnatt’s cult classic, an absurdist up-all-night odyssey across the neon-lit streets of the titular stretch of Los Angeles. As the film’s apocalyptic terror becomes a reality and comedy turns to tragedy, Miracle Mile expertly pulls the rug out from under its audience, rapidly careening towards a harrowing climax. (JM)