Jacknife is a 1989 American film directed by David Jones and starring Robert De Niro and Ed Harris. The film focuses on a small, serious story, with emphasis on characterization and the complex tension between people in a close relationship.

The film follows Joseph Megessey (known to most everyone as Meg), a Vietnam war veteran suffering post-Vietnam stress syndrome, who is having trouble fitting in with society. He takes on the responsibility of drawing Dave (Ed Harris), a drunken truck driver, out of his shell by coaxing him to enjoy life again, as well as urging him to face up to some of his darker memories. Joseph then finds himself attracted to Dave's sister Martha (Kathy Baker). This attraction leads to a love affair, much to Dave's disapproval. Eventually, Dave vents his anger and frustration at Martha's high school prom, where she has been accompanied by Megs. This leads to Dave finally facing his demons and acknowledging Megs and Martha for being there for him. Afterwards, despite initially ending what was a promising romance, Megs returns to Martha.

This movie was filmed almost entirely in the small city of Meriden, CT. Locations used were Linsley Avenue, 310 East Main Street, Milners Cafe on Broad Street, at Castle Craig in Hubbard Park, and on Route 66 going West just east of the I-91 Exit. Other locations include the Berlin Turnpike, locales in New Britain and Cromwell, as well as Route 8 South just before the Route 42/Beacon Falls exit. There is other highway scenery, but it is not known just where in Connecticut they are located, or if they are in CT at all as the movie was also filmed in Toronto, Canada.