Amberwaves

Release Date
1994

Directed By
Joe Holland

Written by
Joe Holland

Starring
Joe Holland
Lenny Von Dohlen
Rae Dawn Chong
​Kelly Rutherford

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The film is occasionally difficult to follow. It appears that an early plot involving the Campanella brothers was condensed into a dream sequence in the film's final cut. The opening footage almost seems to be from another version of the film, as Justin acts and looks different later. Some moments are confusing due to apparent deleted footage. At the beginning of my version of the film, some dialogue is not in English. 

This is my understanding of Amberwaves.

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At an earlier point in time, Justin Campenlla (Lenny Von Dohlen) betrayed his brother Vincent (Joe Holland) by ensuring his arrest in his stead for drug trafficking. Vincent, otherwise known as "Head" due to his hotheaded nature, spent six months in jail as a result. After his release, Head resides in a van while working two jobs. He has invented a type of sunglass lens that enhances a wearer's vision. "They make everything  seem like it's in Technicolor." He calls them Amberwaves. Head is a character who seems contented by base desires. He's a gruff man whose main emotion is anger. Justin is a thug whose elegance is often leveled with comedic grace. He seems to have a close attachment to his brother, while Head is indifferent.

Lola Burns (Kelly Rutherford) is an aspiring actress with few prospects. Head and Lola have a volatile relationship. He is jealous of a man she knows named Dean Deamon (Ken Marshall). Though, as Lola says, she never says anything about the other people in Head's life. Head later discovers that Lola is engaged to Deamon, though she denies it. Lola is cold and aloof. Her career and well-being are her priority. Lola's roommate, Misty (Rae Dawn Chong), is the opposite of her friend. She is a caring, spiritual person who has feelings for Head. Misty tries to discourage Lola from fraternizing with Dean, who she believes is not a good person. Lola dismisses her, saying she wants security, and accuses Misty of jealousy.

Misty calls Head to warn him when Justin's men arrive, looking for him, but it is too late. He tries to evade them but is confronted and taken to a diner, where Justin tells his brother he's agreed to chicken race Deamon for some property. He asks Head if he'll support him at the race tomorrow. "I'm going to help you. And I need you to help me. You're my brother, and I love you," Justin tells him.

Head visits Misty and sees the bruise on her face made by Justin's men. She asks Head what they were looking for. He tells her that he used to work for Justin. He took some money from him, but Head "figured he owed me for the work." Head hadn't seen Justin until now, though he doesn't believe he's worried about the money he owes him.

Head attends a gathering where people watch Lola perform. She has achieved the fame for which she longed. When Head tries to talk to her after the show, he is turned away. When security is needed, Lola intervenes. She admits that Dean has asked her to marry him, and she's accepted his proposal. She suggests Head move to another town, then closes the door in his face. Security escorts him away.

When Head arrives at the chicken race with Deamon, Justin is bandaged, his arm is in a cast, and he walks with crutches. He pleads with Head to ride in his place after he's been injured. He tells him he was in a car accident and feels close to death. Head reluctantly agrees. Justin assures him he'll win as Deamon's car has been compromised. As they chicken race, Head's tire is shot by one of Justin's men, who has betrayed his boss by working for Deamon. Head's van crashes into a tree. Deamon's brakes fail him, and his car races over the side of a cliff, exploding and killing him. Worried, Justin urges Head to leave the area.

As they make their escape in Justin's car, Justin tells Head he's sorry, but he faked his injuries. He knew when he heard that Dean Deamon was involved with Lola that Head would want to kill him, so now he can say he did. Justin gives Head a few thousand dollars to help with the Amberwaves sunglasses. He says it will tide him over until they form a new business, Campanella Reality. Head asks to be let out of the moving car; he wants to be alone. Once out of the car, Head gives a bewildered Justin his money back and takes a bus.

Head arrives on a beach and happens upon Misty. She tells him she's been coming to the same beach on New Year's Day every year for the last eight years. After Lola and Justin's betrayal, Head feels morose. He wants to give up on Amberwaves, but Misty encourages him to pursue his dream. They kiss, marking the beginning of a new year and a new life.

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