Affliction is a 1997 American drama film directed by Paul Schrader and starring Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek, James Coburn, and Willem Dafoe. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Russell Banks.
The story is set in a small town in New Hampshire, where local sheriff Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte) is investigating a hunting accident that has resulted in the death of a wealthy businessman. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to suspect foul play and becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the truth.
At the same time, Wade is also dealing with personal issues, including a troubled relationship with his ex-wife (Sissy Spacek) and a strained relationship with his father (James Coburn), who is a powerful and abusive figure in the community.
As the investigation continues, Wade's mental state begins to deteriorate, and he becomes more and more isolated from those around him. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and he begins to hallucinate and experience violent outbursts.
In the end, Wade's obsession with the case leads him to a shocking discovery, but at a great cost to his own well-being. The movie ends with Wade being admitted to a psychiatric facility, where his fate remains uncertain.
Affliction was praised by critics for its powerful performances, particularly Nick Nolte's portrayal of Wade Whitehouse, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film also earned James Coburn an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.