American Heart is a 1992 drama film directed by Martin Bell and starring Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong. The film tells the story of Jack Kelson, a petty criminal who has just been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for armed robbery. Jack tries to start a new life and reconnect with his teenage son, Nick, who he has not seen in years.
Nick, played by Furlong, is a troubled teenager who lives with his mother and her abusive boyfriend. He seeks out his father in the hopes of building a relationship with him and leaving his troubled home life behind. Jack is hesitant at first but eventually agrees to help Nick and the two begin living together in a rundown apartment in Seattle.
As they struggle to build a relationship, Jack takes on odd jobs to support them while Nick goes to school. Nick also begins to get into trouble, despite his father's warnings, and starts to hang out with a group of delinquents. Jack tries to steer Nick away from a life of crime, but his own past and criminal record come back to haunt him.
The film is a poignant exploration of the themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the struggle to break the cycle of poverty and crime. Jeff Bridges delivers a powerful performance as Jack, while Edward Furlong shines as the troubled teenager desperately seeking a way out of his difficult circumstances. The film's realistic portrayal of poverty and urban decay adds an extra layer of depth to the story.