The Hero (2017)

The Hero Poster

Lee, a former Western film icon, is living a comfortable existence lending his golden voice to advertisements and smoking weed. After receiving a lifetime achievement award and unexpected news, Lee reexamines his past, while a chance meeting with a sardonic comic has him looking to the future.

Introduction
"The Hero", a 2017 American comedy-drama film, is a heart-warming, potent story of life, aging, and death. Directed by Brett Haley, the film dives deep into the life of an aging actor facing his past, present, and obscure future. Sam Elliott plays the lead character, Lee Hayden, who talented with a deep, gravely voice and an enigmatic screen existence, shines in this intangible role.

Aging Actor Grappling with Mortality and Career
Lee Hayden, is a 71-year-old star famous for his role as a cowboy in an iconic Western movie, "The Hero", which had actually made him a golden world election in his more youthful days. However, now he's decreased to doing mediocre voice-overs for BBQ sauce commercials. Lee's world takes a jolting turn when he's diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His faded fame, a stagnant career and newfound mortality crisis further deteriorate his spirit.

Love and Friendship Amidst Despair
Lee's stagnant individual and professional life takes an unexpected turn when he develops a relationship with Charlotte Dylan (Laura Prepon), a stand-up comedian half his age, who herself is dealing with her own demons. Their chemistry, albeit untraditional, brings a sense of solace and restored energy to Lee's otherwise grim life. Lee's friend and drug dealership, Jeremy (Nick Offerman), likewise plays a crucial role in the story. Jeremy not only provides Lee with an escape through drugs but likewise friendship in his lonely battles.

Public Adulation and Personal Struggles
After a viral acceptance speech video of a lifetime achievement award (that Lee doesn't keep in mind due to being high), he attains an unexpected revival in his popularity. He begins getting movie scripts and task deals, his days of obscurity apparently concerning an end. Nevertheless, the internal fights continue. Lee, dealing with a failing body, romantic relationship with Charlotte, a strained bond with his estranged child, Lucy (Krysten Ritter), and his failing death battles to discover balance and significance.

Concluding Thoughts: Seeking Redemption and Making Peace
Lee's journey in "The Hero" is the quest for redemption and self-acceptance. In spite of Lee's life filled with regrets and missed chances, the final scenes of the movie recommend peace and approval, instead of anguish. There is a sign that Lee may never repair his relationship with his child, or that his relationship with Charlotte may not last, and even that his health may deteriorate, however Lee discovers to bear this uncertainty with dignity and grace.

"The Hero" goes over the concept of legacy, how one is remembered after one's death, and how mortality and the worry of being forgotten can haunt however also free. Sam Elliot's efficiency as Lee Hayden brings depth to this consideration of life and mortality, ultimately showcasing that one can discover meaning and approval amidst mayhem.

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