Nothing Is Private (2007)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Alan Ball

Writers (WGA):

Alan Ball (screenplay)
Alicia Erian (novel)

Release Date:

26 September 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

How Can You Find Yourself if No One Can See You?

Plot:

A young Arab-American girl struggles with her sexual obsession, a bigoted Army reservist and her strict father during the Gulf War.

Plot Keywords:

Neighbor | Gulf War | George Bush | Shaving | Racism

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Summer Bishil	...	Jasira Maroun
Chris Messina	...	Barry
Maria Bello	...	Gail Monahan
Peter Macdissi	...	Rifat Maroun (as Peter MacDissi)
Gemmenne de la Peña	...	Denise
Robert Baker	...	Mr. Joffrey
Eamonn Roche	...	School Photographer
Aaron Eckhart	...	Travis Vuoso
Carrie Preston	...	Evelyn Vuoso
Chase Ellison	...	Zack Vuoso
Irina Voronina	...	"Snow Queen" Centerfold
Cleo King	...	Sales Clerk
Michael McShae	...	Middle School Jerk #1
D.C. Cody	...	Middle School Jerk #2
Soledad St. Hilaire	...	Janitor

Also Known As:

Towelhead (Australia) (USA) (new title)
Untitled Alan Ball Project (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong disturbing sexual content and abuse involving a young teen, and for language.

Runtime:

USA:124 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French | Arabic | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:R | Australia:MA | Norway:15 | South Korea:18 | New Zealand:R18 | Netherlands:12 | USA:NC-17 (original rating)

Filming Locations:

Chino, California, USA

Company:

Indian Paintbrush

Trivia:

This film, based on the book Towelhead by Alicia Erian, debuted at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival with the non-controversial title Nothing is Private. However, after consultation with Erian and Warner Brothers, the filmmakers decided to release the movie in the United States and other countries with the same title as the book, obviously an ethnic slur. The title was met with controversy and protests from the Arab-American community. Some complained about the slur itself, others accused Warner Brothers of choosing a buzz-generating controversial title that was misleading since the story centers more on Jasira's sexual behavior than her ethnicity. This and other topics are discussed on the DVD's two panel discussions.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Although the movie was set in 1990-91 (as the story starts before the Gulf War and concludes soon after the war ends), the microwave in the father's house looked current, the airport looked really modern, the nudie mags didn't look that old, and most of the clothes throughout the film looked wrong for the era.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Barry: You're beautiful just the way you are, Jasira. Those other girls are just jealous because you're growing up faster than they are. And you're prettier than they are. Listen, don't let it get you down. Stupid names they're calling you. This year - just gimme a second
[wets the razor]
Barry: this year, your gonna shut them up. Only, probably you shouldn't tell your mom about this.

Movie Connections:

Features "Married with Children" (1987)

Soundtrack:

She Drives Me Crazy

Uncomfortable yet darkly funny

The uncomfortable, sick and disturbing elements of this film will either make you cringe or laugh guiltily. I found the dark humor to be very funny, and it reminded me a bit of 'Happiness'. Aaron Eckhart was fantastic in this in what must surely be seen as quite a dangerous career choice. But all the actors were equally as brilliant, notably the lead girl who played Jazeera. This film is a great exploration of how parents and adults mess with their children's heads, as well as brutal and graphic portrayal of an adolescents coming to terms with her sexuality. Excellent performances, great script and an overall brilliant film.