How far will the new American aristocracy go to protect its privileges? Oren Moverman’s intense four-way war of wills is sourced from a novel but shapes up as an intense stage piece in a chi-chi restaurant interrupted by flashbacks and other stylistic flourishes. The acting foursome is excellent, with Steve Coogan a standout as a truly disturbed character. Four adults debate their sons’ high crimes and misdemeanors over designer cuisine.
The Dinner
Blu-ray + Digital HD
Lionsgate
2017 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 120 min. / Street Date August 8, 2017 / 24.99
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Charlie Plummer, Adepero Oduye, Michael Chernus, Taylor Rae Almonte, Joel Bissonnette.
Cinematography: Bobby Bukowski
Film Editor: Alex Hall
Written by Owen Moverman from the novel by Herman Koch
Produced by Caldecott Chub, Lawrence Inglee, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Valsman
Directed by Oren Moverman
Herman Koch’s novel The Dinner comes to America after two successful European versions,...
The Dinner
Blu-ray + Digital HD
Lionsgate
2017 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 120 min. / Street Date August 8, 2017 / 24.99
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Charlie Plummer, Adepero Oduye, Michael Chernus, Taylor Rae Almonte, Joel Bissonnette.
Cinematography: Bobby Bukowski
Film Editor: Alex Hall
Written by Owen Moverman from the novel by Herman Koch
Produced by Caldecott Chub, Lawrence Inglee, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Valsman
Directed by Oren Moverman
Herman Koch’s novel The Dinner comes to America after two successful European versions,...
- 8/5/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The Orchard has revealed the first official trailer for an indie drama titled The Dinner, which is premiering at the Berlin Film Festival starting this week. The Dinner is the latest film from director Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Rampart, Time Out of Mind), adapted from the novel by Herman Koch. The film is about two couples that meet at a restaurant for dinner, discussing a situation involving their children. It's a look at how far parents will go to protect their children. The two couples are: Richard Gere & Rebecca Hall and Steve Coogan & Laura Linney. Also featuring Chloë Sevigny, Charlie Plummer, Adepero Oduye and Joel Bissonnette. There is obviously more going on here than just a dinner, I'm curious to see this. Here's the first official trailer for Oren Moverman's The Dinner, originally from EW (on YouTube): While dining together at a restaurant, two couples (Richard Gere & Rebecca Hall...
- 2/8/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Plus: Strand Releasing acquires Sundance selection Lovesong; Talent incubator Resonance launches; and more…
Roadside Attractions has acquired Us rights to George Mendeluk’s Bitter Harvest, styled as the epic story of two lovers caught up in Stalin’s 1930s Ukranian genocide.
Max Irons and Samantha Barks (pictured) star alongside Barry Pepper, Tamer Hassan and Terence Stamp.
Ian Ihnatowycz, Stuart Baird, Mendeluk, Chad Barager and Jaye Gazeley produce and Dennis Davidson, Peter D. Graves and William J. Immerman serve as executive producers.
Roadside will release in the first quarter of 2017. Lawrence Meyers and attorney William J Immerman brokered the deal on behalf of the film-makers.
New talent incubator Resonance has launched to support bilingual, bicultural writers and writer-directors who can create content designed to succeed in China and the Us. Launched by producer Hans Canosa and production and management company Circle Of Confusion, Resonance will invite each year up to ten emerging storytellers to participate in a year-long...
Roadside Attractions has acquired Us rights to George Mendeluk’s Bitter Harvest, styled as the epic story of two lovers caught up in Stalin’s 1930s Ukranian genocide.
Max Irons and Samantha Barks (pictured) star alongside Barry Pepper, Tamer Hassan and Terence Stamp.
Ian Ihnatowycz, Stuart Baird, Mendeluk, Chad Barager and Jaye Gazeley produce and Dennis Davidson, Peter D. Graves and William J. Immerman serve as executive producers.
Roadside will release in the first quarter of 2017. Lawrence Meyers and attorney William J Immerman brokered the deal on behalf of the film-makers.
New talent incubator Resonance has launched to support bilingual, bicultural writers and writer-directors who can create content designed to succeed in China and the Us. Launched by producer Hans Canosa and production and management company Circle Of Confusion, Resonance will invite each year up to ten emerging storytellers to participate in a year-long...
- 8/9/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Passenger Side is the sort of indie film that makes Sundance breakouts, such as Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, seem like industriously-produced blockbusters by comparison. As a pure exercise in economy, Matt Bissonnette’s latest feature – his third low-fi venture in a row, no less – laudably demonstrates the importance of script and performance over the slicker production a larger budget invites.
As a deceptively simple story of two estranged brothers, Michael (Adam Scott) and Tobey (Joel Bissonnette), spending a day driving around getting reacquainted, Passenger Side is a pure breeze. Succeeding in large part because of a smartly selected backdrop – an ever-changing Los Angeles landscape, brimming with life at every moment – the film takes full advantage of the city’s vast beauty.
A road movie of sorts, though one set entirely in one city, we follow Michael and Tobey as they drive around some haunts of L.
Passenger Side is the sort of indie film that makes Sundance breakouts, such as Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, seem like industriously-produced blockbusters by comparison. As a pure exercise in economy, Matt Bissonnette’s latest feature – his third low-fi venture in a row, no less – laudably demonstrates the importance of script and performance over the slicker production a larger budget invites.
As a deceptively simple story of two estranged brothers, Michael (Adam Scott) and Tobey (Joel Bissonnette), spending a day driving around getting reacquainted, Passenger Side is a pure breeze. Succeeding in large part because of a smartly selected backdrop – an ever-changing Los Angeles landscape, brimming with life at every moment – the film takes full advantage of the city’s vast beauty.
A road movie of sorts, though one set entirely in one city, we follow Michael and Tobey as they drive around some haunts of L.
- 4/2/2011
- by Shaun Munro
- Obsessed with Film
Source Code (12A) (Duncan Jones, 2011, Us/Fra)
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright. 93 mins.
After cult hit Moon, Jones goes for the mainstream with a conceptual thriller that makes Christopher Nolan look soulless but would have Hitchcock scratching his head. The Deja Vu-meets-Groundhog Day plot forces Gyllenhaal's GI to relive the last eight minutes of a train bombing over and over till he finds the terrorist (experimental technology – don't ask). That shouldn't leave much time for relationships, big questions or light relief but it's all squeezed in, just about…
Sucker Punch (12A)
(Zack Snyder, 2011, Us/Can) Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone. 110 mins.
Zack Snyder shows you his fantasy, which turns out to consist of fetish-outfitted babes in scenarios out of computer games and women's prison movies, to a diluted alt soundtrack. This man needs help.
Oranges And Sunshine (15)
(Jim Loach, 2010, UK/Aus) Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving,...
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright. 93 mins.
After cult hit Moon, Jones goes for the mainstream with a conceptual thriller that makes Christopher Nolan look soulless but would have Hitchcock scratching his head. The Deja Vu-meets-Groundhog Day plot forces Gyllenhaal's GI to relive the last eight minutes of a train bombing over and over till he finds the terrorist (experimental technology – don't ask). That shouldn't leave much time for relationships, big questions or light relief but it's all squeezed in, just about…
Sucker Punch (12A)
(Zack Snyder, 2011, Us/Can) Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone. 110 mins.
Zack Snyder shows you his fantasy, which turns out to consist of fetish-outfitted babes in scenarios out of computer games and women's prison movies, to a diluted alt soundtrack. This man needs help.
Oranges And Sunshine (15)
(Jim Loach, 2010, UK/Aus) Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving,...
- 4/1/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
It's a lo-fi slacker road movie, but it's a surprisingly funny and intelligent one, says Cath Clarke
There surely can't be much mileage left in overeducated, underemployed slackers staring into an abyss of disappointment in Us indies. That said, this low-fi slacker road movie is funnier and more intelligent than there are any grounds to hope for: an entertaining, wry tour of La's scuzzier sights. A struggling writer (Adam Scott) has grudgingly agreed to chauffeur his recovering heroin addict brother (Joel Bissonnette) around the city for the day. The brother claims to be looking for an ex-girlfriend, but the fear is that he has started using again. Beneath their self-regardingly hip banter, an entrenched sibling rivalry plays out. Genuinely warm, it kicks along nicely to a mostly 90s alt-rock soundtrack.
Rating: 3/5
ComedyDramaCath Clarke
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions...
There surely can't be much mileage left in overeducated, underemployed slackers staring into an abyss of disappointment in Us indies. That said, this low-fi slacker road movie is funnier and more intelligent than there are any grounds to hope for: an entertaining, wry tour of La's scuzzier sights. A struggling writer (Adam Scott) has grudgingly agreed to chauffeur his recovering heroin addict brother (Joel Bissonnette) around the city for the day. The brother claims to be looking for an ex-girlfriend, but the fear is that he has started using again. Beneath their self-regardingly hip banter, an entrenched sibling rivalry plays out. Genuinely warm, it kicks along nicely to a mostly 90s alt-rock soundtrack.
Rating: 3/5
ComedyDramaCath Clarke
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions...
- 3/31/2011
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Before I address tonight’s stomach-churning episode (d’oh!), I’d like to revisit last week’s thrilling episode. There was a lot of discussion — both inside EW and in the comments here — about whether Dana Walsh’s death was considered a “big shocker.” Personally, I wasn’t the least bit gobsmacked by her offing (though I was surprised by the startling lack of blood spray, considering how close Jack pointed the gun at her). We’ve seen a lot of shocking deaths over 24′s long and storied history — Teri Bauer, Michelle Dessler, Curtis Manning, Ryan Chappelle, Edgar Stiles and...
- 5/11/2010
- by Lynette Rice
- EW.com - PopWatch
A new episode of 24 will be airing on May 10 and there's only four more episodes left until the series ends. Fox has released four sneak peeks for the upcoming episode.
A Rogue Jack Bauer Remains Resolute In His Vendetta On An All-new “24” Monday, May 10, On Fox
Michael Madsen, Gregory Itzin and Jennifer Westfeldt Guest-Star
With only four hours left, a rogue Jack Bauer stops at nothing to determine who is behind the day’s most devastating events, and he uncovers an unexpected lead in the all-new “Day 8: 12:00 Pm-1:00 Pm” episode of 24 airing Monday, May 10 (9:00-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Twf-821) (TV-14 L, V)
Cast: Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer; Mary Lynn Rajskub as Chloe O’Brian; Cherry Jones as Allison Taylor; Mykelti Williamson as Brian Hastings; Chris Diamantopoulos as Rob Weiss; Katee Sackhoff as Dana Walsh; Freddie Prinze Jr. as Cole Ortiz; John Boyd...
A Rogue Jack Bauer Remains Resolute In His Vendetta On An All-new “24” Monday, May 10, On Fox
Michael Madsen, Gregory Itzin and Jennifer Westfeldt Guest-Star
With only four hours left, a rogue Jack Bauer stops at nothing to determine who is behind the day’s most devastating events, and he uncovers an unexpected lead in the all-new “Day 8: 12:00 Pm-1:00 Pm” episode of 24 airing Monday, May 10 (9:00-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Twf-821) (TV-14 L, V)
Cast: Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer; Mary Lynn Rajskub as Chloe O’Brian; Cherry Jones as Allison Taylor; Mykelti Williamson as Brian Hastings; Chris Diamantopoulos as Rob Weiss; Katee Sackhoff as Dana Walsh; Freddie Prinze Jr. as Cole Ortiz; John Boyd...
- 5/9/2010
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
After a run at the previous Toronto International Film Festival, Passenger Side, the next film from Matt Bissonnette, will be released in Canada on April 23.
Synopsis:
Michael Brown’s (Adam Scott) birthday begins with a telephone call from his estranged, drug addicted brother Tobey (Joel Bissonnette). Tobey is totally unaware that it is his older brother’s birthday, but he is very aware that his car is broken, and he begs Michael to drive him on various apparently legitimate, vital errands.
As Bruce Springsteen has astutely noted, a man who turns his back on his family just ain’t no good, and so Michael puts off his seemingly romantic birthday plans, and with his brother embarks on a sketchy, meandering day long odyssey though the mysteries of Los Angeles County.
As the day wears on, it becomes clear that this drive will lead them to some very unexpected destinations.
Other...
Synopsis:
Michael Brown’s (Adam Scott) birthday begins with a telephone call from his estranged, drug addicted brother Tobey (Joel Bissonnette). Tobey is totally unaware that it is his older brother’s birthday, but he is very aware that his car is broken, and he begs Michael to drive him on various apparently legitimate, vital errands.
As Bruce Springsteen has astutely noted, a man who turns his back on his family just ain’t no good, and so Michael puts off his seemingly romantic birthday plans, and with his brother embarks on a sketchy, meandering day long odyssey though the mysteries of Los Angeles County.
As the day wears on, it becomes clear that this drive will lead them to some very unexpected destinations.
Other...
- 4/19/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
Hello my pretties. This week your recap is coming to you live, from Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Yes, I'm just that dedicated to all five of you. Every time I heard dramatic music, I drank (Sol)! And believe me, I did some drinking my little flying monkeys. This hour of 24 was filled with somber moments, goodbyes, a few tears, one hearty laugh, a little wham, bam, thank you ma'am-ing and ended with another silent clock. So that's the plan, writers? Get rid of most of the cast so you can start the feature film anew? I like it! And I especially like where that yellow brick road led us tonight, so let's get started.
Jack phones President Taylor and says he doesn't know what to say other than, he's sorry. The President asks if there was anything he and his team could have done differently, and Jack affirms that President...
Jack phones President Taylor and says he doesn't know what to say other than, he's sorry. The President asks if there was anything he and his team could have done differently, and Jack affirms that President...
- 4/15/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
Canada's Top Ten, an annual event created by the Toronto International Film Festival, just announced the ten best Canadian films of 2009. In this case, we're talking about Canadian films that were released in theatres or have been screened in film festivals in 2009. Besides, the films will be shown at the Cinematheque in Toronto in January.
Here are the ten best Canadian feature films of 2009:
Cairo Time: A journalist (Patricia Clarkson) travels to Egypt in order to find her husband (Tom McCamus). However, she learns from her husband's friend (Alexander Siddig), who welcomes her, that he's still held up in Gaza. Directed by Ruba Nadda.
Carcasse: This film centres on Jean-Paul Colmor, a man who works in a junkyard of rural Quebec. He welcomes four teenagers with the Down syndrome. Directed by Denis Côté.
Crackie: A girl (Meghan Greeley) from Newfoundland and Labrador lives with her grandmother (Mary Walsh...
Here are the ten best Canadian feature films of 2009:
Cairo Time: A journalist (Patricia Clarkson) travels to Egypt in order to find her husband (Tom McCamus). However, she learns from her husband's friend (Alexander Siddig), who welcomes her, that he's still held up in Gaza. Directed by Ruba Nadda.
Carcasse: This film centres on Jean-Paul Colmor, a man who works in a junkyard of rural Quebec. He welcomes four teenagers with the Down syndrome. Directed by Denis Côté.
Crackie: A girl (Meghan Greeley) from Newfoundland and Labrador lives with her grandmother (Mary Walsh...
- 12/8/2009
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
Patricia Clarkson in Cairo Time (top); Joel Bissonnette, Adam Scott in Passenger Side (middle, upper); Danse Macabre by Pedro Pires (middle, lower); Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica by Cam Christiansen (bottom) The Toronto Film Festival has announced the lists of the top 10 Canadian features and shorts of 2009. Among the selected features are Denis Côté’s Carcasses, Xavier Dolan’s I Killed My Mother, and Bernard Émond’s The Legacy. Shorts include Pedro Pires‘ Danse Macabre, Jamie Travis‘ The Armoire, and Kazik Radwanski’s Out in that Deep Blue Sea. Topics include hockey’s behind-the-scenes homoerotic moments to the sound of the Rheostatics (Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica); an adulterous romance in Egypt (Cairo Time); the erratic movements of a [...]...
- 12/8/2009
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Director: Matt Bissonnette Writer(s): Matt Bissonnette Starring: Adam Scott, Joel Bissonnette, Robin Tunney, Gale Harold, Penelope Allen, Vitta Quinn, Mickey Cottrell Michael (Adam Scott) is a frustrated writer living alone in Los Angeles. His younger brother, Tobey (Joel Bissonnette), needs to embark on a wild goose chase to find something; the problem is that his car is broken down, so he asks Michael to be his chauffeur. Tobey is a recovering drug addict, so most of his requests are greeted with suspicion by his older brother. Michael eventually gives in to Tobey’s pleading, and their entire day is spent driving around Los Angeles (as well as out-lying areas) in Michael’s car. Every location that they stop at, Michael remains in the car and is frequently subjected to absurd events, as Tobey acquires another clue sending them to another location. 90% of the film takes place within the...
- 11/16/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Director: Matt Bissonnette In a week filled with documentaries and experimental features, I was glad to find that the Friday afternoon screening at the first Lff press week was a laid-back, quirky, slacker road movie set in East La with a soundtrack consisting of Dinosaur Jr, Wilco, Leonard Cohen, and a host of other indie rock legends. Passenger Side is the story of Michael Brown (Adam Scott), who is awoken on the morning of his 37th birthday by a phone call from his annoying, ex-drug addict brother, Toby (Joel Bissonnette, brother of director Matt). Toby persuades Michael to ditch his girlfriend and spend the day driving him around on some mysterious mission. What follows is a fairly lackadaisical, but never nebulous, talkative journey around the outskirts of Los Angeles. I say the story is lackadaisical because the conversation mostly revolves around witty banter (I hate that word, but it’s...
- 10/6/2009
- by Nicholas Deigman
- t5m.com
Massey Hall in Toronto by Tomato Geezer
The Toronto International Film Fest takes place from September 10 to 19 and features a stellar list of films - many of which MovieSet has followed throughout production.
To help you stay up to speed with the films screening in search of awards, distribution deals or both, MovieSet is filling up a special Tiff sitelet with trailers, clips or any other video coverage from the selected films.
Here’s a dossier of of outlets covering the festival to follow along while you enjoy the heaps of behind-the-scenes coverage of many Tiff films on MovieSet.com.
Diy Tiff-ish Fest:
Go pop some corn (or consider getting more Canadian and eat some poutine with your movie) and explore this hefty stack of films screening at Tiff on MovieSet - you’ll find enough trailers, previews, and behind-the-scenes features to make your own fest no matter where you are.
The Toronto International Film Fest takes place from September 10 to 19 and features a stellar list of films - many of which MovieSet has followed throughout production.
To help you stay up to speed with the films screening in search of awards, distribution deals or both, MovieSet is filling up a special Tiff sitelet with trailers, clips or any other video coverage from the selected films.
Here’s a dossier of of outlets covering the festival to follow along while you enjoy the heaps of behind-the-scenes coverage of many Tiff films on MovieSet.com.
Diy Tiff-ish Fest:
Go pop some corn (or consider getting more Canadian and eat some poutine with your movie) and explore this hefty stack of films screening at Tiff on MovieSet - you’ll find enough trailers, previews, and behind-the-scenes features to make your own fest no matter where you are.
- 9/3/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
A glance of "The Mentalist" episode 1.09 has been revealed through its preview below. The preview features some parts on the episode showing an intimate conversation between Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon. It also shows a big fire on a house.
With the title "Flame Red", the episode revolves around Patrick and his team doing an investigation over a murder of three National Guard veterans. Moreover, Patrick goes undercover for the investigation as he suspects the only surviving member of the National Guard unit could be the one who has murdered his friends.
The "Flame Red" will be aired on CBS network, December 2 at 9/8c. As an addition, the episode will guest star Joel Bissonnette as Mitchell Reese and Marcella Lentz-Pope as Maddy Garcia.
With the title "Flame Red", the episode revolves around Patrick and his team doing an investigation over a murder of three National Guard veterans. Moreover, Patrick goes undercover for the investigation as he suspects the only surviving member of the National Guard unit could be the one who has murdered his friends.
The "Flame Red" will be aired on CBS network, December 2 at 9/8c. As an addition, the episode will guest star Joel Bissonnette as Mitchell Reese and Marcella Lentz-Pope as Maddy Garcia.
- 11/26/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
IFP/West Los Angeles Film Festival
A Montreal movie from beginning to end and proud of it, "Looking for Leonard" is a low-budget noir looker, written and directed by Canadians Matt Bissonnette and Steven Clark. Accidental killings, hidden treasure, life on the streets, this film has a metaphorical mission that is aptly alluded to in the title.
Finding a sizable audience is the real trick, however, with projects competing for Bohemian audiences everywhere you look. From the performances and wry dialogue to the sets and cinematography, "Looking" is a film with a lot of things going for it.
Canadian actress Kim Huffman as Jo longs to just once see Montrealer Leonard Cohen. As if to grant her wish for our pleasure, the film occasionally inserts silent footage of novelist Cohen, from public appearances to more intimate material. Meanwhile, with the help of Mac McCaughan's score, one easily gets into Jo's and the film's bored-but-expectant mood as we learn she is one of a successful three-person stickup team and is hardly leading a fulfilling existence.
Jo's partners are tough-talking, TV-addicted amateurs Ted (Ben Rainer), also her boyfriend, and his brother Johnny (Darcy Belsher). Determined to move up to robbing banks, which Jo bluntly tries to talk them out of, the brothers leave her alone for a weekend and she meets a just-arrived Czech computer programmer, Luka (Joel Bissonnette), at the store where she's shoplifting seemingly out of boredom.
They have chemistry, with his upright but hapless character fatefully falling in love. Making out at her place, they're surprised by Johnny. A vicious fight starts and Jo hits Johnny with an ashtray. He dies and she sends Luka away.
Luka dumbly leaves his wallet behind, and she self-defensively tells the police he was the killer. Drunk and a wanted man, Luka hits the streets, where he hides in the shadows with opinionated urban scarecrow Chevy (the late Justin Pierce of "Kids" in his final role). Jo lies to Ted and confides with nice girl Monica (Molly Parker) in some of the film's best scenes. Eventually, Jo decides to leave town with a stash of cash, and her fondness for reading Cohen helps Ted uncover her duplicity. Heading for tragedy, the film instead agreeably comes in for a happy landing.
LOOKING FOR LEONARD
Frustrated Films
Boneyard Film Co.
Credits:
Screenwriters-directors: Matt Bissonnette, Steven Clark
Producer: Sylvia Wilson
Executive producers: Lynne Stopkewich, Jessica Fraser, Dean English, Molly Parker
Director of photography: Brian Pearson
Production designer: Patricia Christie
Editors: Annie Ilkow, Andrew Kowalchuk, Michael Dowse
Costume designer: Janine Metcalfe
Music: Mac McCaughan
Cast:
Jo: Kim Huffman
Ted: Ben Rainer
Johnny: Darcy Belsher
Luka: Joel Bissonnette
Monica: Molly Parker
Chevy: Justin Pierce
Running time -- 87 minutes
No MPAA rating...
A Montreal movie from beginning to end and proud of it, "Looking for Leonard" is a low-budget noir looker, written and directed by Canadians Matt Bissonnette and Steven Clark. Accidental killings, hidden treasure, life on the streets, this film has a metaphorical mission that is aptly alluded to in the title.
Finding a sizable audience is the real trick, however, with projects competing for Bohemian audiences everywhere you look. From the performances and wry dialogue to the sets and cinematography, "Looking" is a film with a lot of things going for it.
Canadian actress Kim Huffman as Jo longs to just once see Montrealer Leonard Cohen. As if to grant her wish for our pleasure, the film occasionally inserts silent footage of novelist Cohen, from public appearances to more intimate material. Meanwhile, with the help of Mac McCaughan's score, one easily gets into Jo's and the film's bored-but-expectant mood as we learn she is one of a successful three-person stickup team and is hardly leading a fulfilling existence.
Jo's partners are tough-talking, TV-addicted amateurs Ted (Ben Rainer), also her boyfriend, and his brother Johnny (Darcy Belsher). Determined to move up to robbing banks, which Jo bluntly tries to talk them out of, the brothers leave her alone for a weekend and she meets a just-arrived Czech computer programmer, Luka (Joel Bissonnette), at the store where she's shoplifting seemingly out of boredom.
They have chemistry, with his upright but hapless character fatefully falling in love. Making out at her place, they're surprised by Johnny. A vicious fight starts and Jo hits Johnny with an ashtray. He dies and she sends Luka away.
Luka dumbly leaves his wallet behind, and she self-defensively tells the police he was the killer. Drunk and a wanted man, Luka hits the streets, where he hides in the shadows with opinionated urban scarecrow Chevy (the late Justin Pierce of "Kids" in his final role). Jo lies to Ted and confides with nice girl Monica (Molly Parker) in some of the film's best scenes. Eventually, Jo decides to leave town with a stash of cash, and her fondness for reading Cohen helps Ted uncover her duplicity. Heading for tragedy, the film instead agreeably comes in for a happy landing.
LOOKING FOR LEONARD
Frustrated Films
Boneyard Film Co.
Credits:
Screenwriters-directors: Matt Bissonnette, Steven Clark
Producer: Sylvia Wilson
Executive producers: Lynne Stopkewich, Jessica Fraser, Dean English, Molly Parker
Director of photography: Brian Pearson
Production designer: Patricia Christie
Editors: Annie Ilkow, Andrew Kowalchuk, Michael Dowse
Costume designer: Janine Metcalfe
Music: Mac McCaughan
Cast:
Jo: Kim Huffman
Ted: Ben Rainer
Johnny: Darcy Belsher
Luka: Joel Bissonnette
Monica: Molly Parker
Chevy: Justin Pierce
Running time -- 87 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 7/16/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.