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ABILENE -- SXSW -- Deserves Distribution!
ABILENE
You know.... watching this film I’m struck with
something. There is an amazing untapped film
market for this type of movie.
It’s a story that the silver haired crowd would flock
to. A film you can take your Grandparents or parents
to. A film that you can all enjoy, but is made
specifically for the older set.
I’ve said for years that there is a vast sea of talent that
are not on them CAA and ICM ‘lists’. People who
would never be asked to STAR in a modern day film.
But this is a case of perfection in concept and casting.
ABILENE stars Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter...
There isn’t a terrible amount to this film, instead it is
a story paced for a rural setting, involving folks that
don’t move around quite as spritely as they once did.
And it’s fantastic for that reason.
The movie is wonderful in that we’re dealing with
characters that have lived whole lives, but have
overlooked some of the details. It is a film of regrets
and of making up for them now that you have them.
It’s quirky, but only in that same way that you often
times think your Grandparents are. They are stubborn
and funny in their way. Their eccentricities are
befuddling. And this film is magic for that reason.
In Mid-America the film would play like no
tomorrow. It is a predictable film, we’ve heard the
story a billion times, but not quite at this pace... With
this much time to contemplate it as it is happening.
The film is also gorgeous and lush. Using what looks
like North Texas locations and full wide screen to it’s
full advantage, this movie will wrap you around it’s
pinky finger.
Sometimes there are films that we watch just to
enjoy... and this is a very enjoyable movie. Very very
good.
With the studios trying to make films for specific
market areas... teen flicks, thirtysomething flicks,
ethnically specific films... For me it is odd that they
are not really making films targeted for the older set...
Then again, they haven’t really been trying it.
Borgnine turns in some of his best work in years as a
cantankorous old fart determined to say goodbye to
his brother who has had a stroke. With his truck
confiscated... he had only his wits to get him where he
needed to be with his dignity still in place.
I loved the film. And I truly truly believe there is a
market for this film that the typical studio folks won’t
be able to see. But there could be an entire ‘Silver
Cinema’ movement that would feature actors in their
golden years playing out films and stories that.... well
we haven’t seen them play.
I hope you get to see this movie, it’s a jewel.
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+ Expand All
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i want some candy.
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Well at long last its great to see some feedback on Abliene. I guess all that free time I gave the now -defunct artists colnly is beging to pay off
KMK
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Even E. Borgnine seemed to be reading his lines in this film. Far too long. Too little plot. Must have been a novice director based on the poor performances by veteran actors. Had some nice moments but did NOT hold up over the length of the film. I wanted to fall asleep along with everybody else in the theatre. Would have made a nice short film. Maybe my grandmother would have liked it, but I think even she would have been bored. I swear I saw Harry doze off during the film.
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Abilene is a great story, with wonderful scenery and a talented cast, which touches the heart, soul, and conscience (hopefully) of the moviegoer. A refreshing tale about love and beauty told in the same manner as the Texas countryside itself -- unassuming, eloquent, simplistic, peculiar, and sometimes...forgiving. Joe Camp III has successfully forged the aesthetic of movie making into a new realm upon which movie makers and viewers alike can reflect.
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A very sweet film that deserves to be seen by the moviegoing public. Set amidst the north Texas landscape, the plot centers around Ernie Borgnine's desire to see his ill brother and keep his dignity in doing so. In a era where drugs, car chases and teen pictures are all the norm, it's nice to find a film that has a plot where an entire family can go without being embarrassed. Whether the pic will make a profit is obviously something only the audience can determine but a distrib would be smart to at least give it a chance. Other indies I've seen released are much inferior to this piece of warm and engaging filmmaking.
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"Abilene" is a stunningly beautiful film that is poignant and uplifting. Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter are achingly real (and Oscar worthy) as Hotis and Emmaline, two people who are coming to terms with their past. Supporting roles by Park Overall, and James Morrison parallel the lead parts and give the film depth and generational dimension.
Joe Camp III's screenplay is subtle, humourous, and true. It is a rare treat compared to the dull, exposition heavy, SFX reliant films that have become commonplace. Camp is also talented and promising as a new director. I am already anticipating his next film.
With the recent glut of soulless "evil teen" films, "Abilene" is a deeply gratifying and refreshing change. And one that will certainly be very well recieved by the rapidly growing number of older people in the USA. However, distributors need not fear that the film is limited to the older market. I am 27 years old and I loved it, and I know that most of my friends will too. A great story like this has no age limit.
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"Abilene" is a moving portrait of the lives of two souls in the winter of their lives and the people who surround them. A slice of village life in the heart of America, the film undulates beautifully through their story, capturing those moments in their lives that will always be etched in the stone of their memories; a coffee cup rattling the moment Emmeline's husband's heart fails, a look, a gesture. Cinematically these moments unfold in a graceful movement of stunning tableaus. I will remember "Abilene" for some time.
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Although this movie may have strong appeal to the "silver-haired" audience, I know of one teenager who is usually totally unimpressed with anything older than 20 who cried about the movie. There may be a very broad appeal to such a real movie about real people
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Although this movie may have strong appeal to the "silver-haired" audience, I know of one teenager who is usually totally unimpressed with anything older than 20 who cried about the movie. There may be a very broad appeal to such a real movie about real people
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Although this movie may have strong appeal to the "silver-haired" audience, I know of one teenager who is usually totally unimpressed with anything older than 20 who cried about the movie. There may be a very broad appeal to such a real movie about real people
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I loved this movie. I realy think that it can appeal to a much wider audience than just old farts. I was very fond of Borgnines charector and thought the tractor ride concept was very funny. The scene when the cop first catches up with Ernest on the tractor was great. The sceanery is also very nice in my opinion and the subtle way camp developes the charactors was wonderful especially the religious auto mechanic. And this is the opinion of a 33 year old with no grey hair at all!!
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My wife and I saw this movie and on behalf of the non-geezers, we would like to say that WE LOVED IT!!! It's refreshing to see someone take the risk to make a movie without sex, drugs or violence. Joe Camp III and Tom Gamble should be commended on a wonderful story, fantastic cinematography, and great actors. It takes guts to strive for character and plot develpment rather rely on special effects.
I particularly was impressed with Kim Hunter and her portrayal of the brother's wife. She played the part to perfection - totally believable.
Anyone who wants to see a great movie, suitable to ANY audience, should look for Abilene. -
The women in my family do not judge movies by the number of thumbs up. We prefer to the number of Kleenex rating system.
On a scale of 1-5, Abilene gets:
Story: 4
Acting: 5
I hope I get the opportunity to see it again. -
I had the privilege of seeing
a screening of this film at the
George Lindsey Film Festival and
I thought it was terrific. Mr.
Borgnine himself hosted the
screening. I can't believe it
can't get a distributor. The
industry is in a sorry state if
a film can't get distribution
because it doesn't fit a formula
of X-number of explosions and
sex scenes. Based on the current
mentality in Hollywood, the great
film "Marty", for which Borgnine
won his Oscar, could have never
been made. I don't know what the
answer is, but distribution for
quiet, character-study films must
be provided or the cultural
disintegration of society will
continue, unabated.
Thank you for my chance to be
heard, Alan M. Simmons -
The acting and the story line were superb. This will appeal to the older generation in particular. By this I mean those over 50. I really enjoyd the movie.
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Loved the movie. It is about time
for a movie like this. With all the violance and the killings on TV and the news. It is a pleasure
to see beautiful seenary and an
honesty and honer. I believe this
movie is for all ages. May be the
younger audiances learn more about
what life is all about and that
entertainment is not suppose to be
about killings and shootings. DL -
If you don't like: car chases, crashing cars, inane dialogue, stupid plots, lots of special effects, bad acting, this is the movie for you. I loved it, loved it. A quiet little movie about a small town near Abilene and the people who inhabit it. They were so real, so credible; the acting was marvelous, all the acting, especially Ernest Borgnine.
James Morrison played the local sheriff wonderfully. Not a lot to do for the sheriff. Yet what took place was soooo important in the lives of some of the people living there: chances missed, not taken, heartbreaks, friendship, love, those simple, little things that make the real world go round. And there were some beautiful shots of Texas. This movie should definitely be seen in a theatre, where a big screen will do it justice.
Everyone was believable in this movie, right down to the smallest character. Oh, and I have no gray or silver hair, yet think that this movie will appeal to a younger audience too. But if you like inane car chases, crashes, and mindless dribble, don't see this movie. Stay home, rent a video, and eat your popcorn there.
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I saw ABILENE at the Directors' Guild yesterday and liked it very much! It
is a story that is character driven rather than plot driven, and it would
be hard to really describe the plot!
The heart of the movie is the characters-- a group of quirky and often
stubborn individuals in a small Texas town. They are very private and
don't confide very much in each other, even though they've known each other
for years. The physical distances between them are matched by the
psychological and emotional distances that they try to maintain. They
don't want to pry and they don't want others to know too much of their
personal business.
There's a pervasive sense of longing and waiting that I felt, right from
the beginning. The cinematography is beautiful and feels peaceful, and the
curved screen in the small screening room enhanced the wonderful view. But
other than the visual landscape, I felt as if I were watching a play,
because of the sense of intimacy in watching the conversations and
interactions.
I liked the whole cast, which starred Ernest Borginine and Kim Hunter.
James Morrison was very good as the sheriff, and his primary occupation
didn't seem to be fighting crime, but rather keeping the peace. He was a
good guy (and he looked really good too!). I really enjoyed Park Overall's
role as the proprietress of an all-purpose gas station, cafe, video rental
store, etc., and Wendell Pierce's role as the minister.
The movie had a lot of humor in it, the humor that comes from the
characters and not from contrived situations, and it also had a certain
poignancy about life, loneliness, and lost chances. I highly recommend it.
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I hate to be the voice of doom... okay, I'm lying there... but anyone here with a positive view of the film must either be being bribed by the filmmmakers or the filmmakers themselves using multiple e-mail accounts.
"Abilene" is slow...slower than a riding lawn mower, and will put the elderly audience watching the film into a deep coma long before it entertains them. The acting is surprisingly bad considering the talent of the actors involved - whether this is due to the script or directing is beyond me. The film won't make a cent at the box office. I'm ashamed at the amount of positive reviews of this film... watching it was a horrible waste of two hours of my life. -
In an industry which is notorious for making big bang, flashy films to grab a quick buck, this story is refreshing. It has the appearance of being made to respect the art of filmmaking and not just the dollar.
The only problem I can find with this film, is that an audience that has been numbed with car chases, exploding bodies, and blood might have too short an attention span to truly appreciate this creation. -
Beautiful filming.
Slow, but I enjoyed this. Letting you reflect on the moment instead of rushing on to the next scene. Seems to be geared for the mature audience, who would definitely love this film!
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