"Empire Falls" is a 2005 television film directed by Fred Schepisi, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Richard Russo. The story is set in a small, declining town in Maine and follows Miles Roby, played by Paul Newman, who runs a diner and navigates the complexities of his life, including family relationships and personal struggles. The film explores themes of community, economic hardship, and the impact of the past on the present. It features a strong ensemble cast, including Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and highlights the challenges faced by the residents of Empire Falls, a fictional town that reflects broader societal issues.