American Heart is a 1992 drama film directed by Martin Bell and starring Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong.

Jack tries to resist the pleas of his ex-partner Randy to return to robbery and finds a job downtown as a window washer.

[4] Elements of the screenplay for American Heart were based on material originally covered in Martin Bell's documentary film Streetwise, such as the relationship between Dewayne and his father.

[4][5] To prepare for the role, Jeff Bridges worked closely with Edward Bunker, an ex-con and author of the novel No Beast So Fierce which inspired the 1978 film Straight Time.

[6][7] Edward Furlong was cast prior to the release of his debut film Terminator 2 when photographer Mary Ellen Mark did a photo essay on kid actors.

"[3] Of Furlong, Maslin said he "brings great dignity and a powerful sense of yearning to Nick's efforts to win over his father.