Michael J. Fox samples ‘Big City’ life
As his popularity grew, Michael J. Fox faced an interesting dilemma ... staying true to the “Family Ties” faithful but also trying to expand on his career choices outside the show. A good example is “Bright Lights, Big City,” director James Bridges’ 1988 version of Jay McInerney’s bestseller that Turner Classic Movies shows as part of a showcase of films about addiction Wednesday, April 13.
Fox plays a New York magazine researcher who nurtures his cocaine habit while frequenting the city’s nightlife with his best pal (Kiefer Sutherland). Only the love of a good woman – played by Tracy Pollan, who married Fox in real life the same year – might be able to save him, though his younger brother (Charlie Schlatter) is desperate to reconnect with him. Veteran talents Jason Robards, John Houseman and Frances Sternhagen also appear.