Silence of the Heart

Not many people watched the teen-suicide TV-movie "Surviving" in 1985, simply because they had already seen this one and felt the subject had been done appropriate justice (in fact, both films are excellent). This tentative effort is cautious but very sincere. It features down-to-earth suburban parents shocked over their son's self-inflicted death, hurt and confused in the aftermath while trying to deal with their mercurial daughter and the boy's troubled best friend (Charlie Sheen, doing solid work). It's heartfelt and well-acted, especially by Mariette Hartley as the mom (she's a crumbling tower of strength, and gives her lines such a realistic spin you may hear your own mother talking). Worth seeking out.

If you have never seen Silence of the Heart or if you haven't seen it in a long time, do yourself a favor and rent it. The performances are as moving now as they were almost twenty years ago. This movie is well worth your time.

Well i was searching on Ebay for 80s movies on VHS that might have slipped under my radar, and recently on a Charlie Sheen tangent I decided to try this film. Was not anything like I thought it was going to be. Very depressing subject matter but I couldn't turn away. Gut wrenching, and raw emotions. This should be a must watch for young high school kids to help with their inner emotions and help see potential warning signs of friends on the edge. I was enamored with the film as it really fit the same style (Sheen as a co-lead) of the great 80s movie The Boys Next Door. As a matter of fact one of the heartthrob girls plays a similar role! And I even saw an actress from Just One Of the Guys in there too. Bit the best hidden gem for me was the inclusion of two audio tracks by the epic 80s band Was Not Was!! I've been a huge fan of their album Born To Laugh At Tornadoes and to hear two tracks from the album in the film really was heartwarming. And I was shocked their was no mention of any songs in the end credits!! Made For TV films weren't required to give copyright credits!?! Solid film 7/10.

Why do people only give flowers and sentiment at funerals, and not to the living? This is a fact that many movies which address the subject of suicide fail to ask.

People do not think, until it is too late. Anyone who has lost someone, whether accidentally or by suicide, will empathize and be affected by this film. Mariette Hartley is excellent as Skip's mother, in denial about the "accident".

Howard Hesseman is also very good, working on his projects, avoiding reality, feeling he failed his son in some way, but not knowing what to do about it.

There is also a small part with Charlie Sheen, and his insensitive mother, who acts as if no one in her family could ever resort to such a thing. Sheen comments that she has no idea what goes on in the mind of a teenager. Chad Lowe, as Skip, portrays the disconsolate adolescent who is upset about his SAT scores, and decides he must escape from his life.

The character Penny, portrayed by Elizabeth Berridge, is very sensitive and real. She is angry at everyone, because she understood Skip and his suicide more than anyone else.

This is a film which should be shown in all high schools; suicide is a permanent and tragic choice for the temporarily depressed; unfortunately most parents are still too afraid to even acknowledge it, let alone try and discuss it with their kids. Hopefully future generations will be better at discussion, rather than sweeping emotional problems under the rug.

then check it out. I remember seeing this in my early 20s and really being moved by it.Its about the expectations we set for ourselves and when we cant meet them how helpless we feel.Chad Lowe does a great job as a teen who feels hes failing everyone when his grades arent great.He commits suicide and the rest of the story is about the aftermath and how his death effects everyone. Wonderful Movie.If you can find it on VHS or DVD check it out