Lost Pet: “Apart from That”
Great lost films are not from 1919, but from the last 10 years.
When you hear about “Great American Films” it’s usually something from the past. The acting is wonderful, you sink into the characters, luscious camera-work, interesting plot-lines that come together, great music, characters you wish you could hang out with, characters you wish would win in the end, characters you want to kiss…
As I think about those accolades for past films, I think about APART FROM THAT from just last year. I think about it as great American cinema, made by enthusiastic filmmakers and actors and crew. I think about how it looks and sounds great, not about how much it cost or what camera they must have used. I think about how great the quirky characters are, not about the actors who portray them. Because they aren’t famous. And since they aren’t famous, and since the filmmakers aren’t known, and since the film doesn’t fit into a marketable genre, I think about how you probably haven’t seen one of the great American films from last year.
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Apart From That was written, directed and edited by Jennifer Shainin and Randy Walker.
When I called for the interview, an older woman answered and asked who I was. Then Jennifer got on the phone. “Mom, I got it!” I didn’t realize — the directors live at home with Jennifer’s parents. “Anything for film, man” Walker relates. Since they started the film five years ago they’ve saved money the old fashion way.
After playing tons of film festivals, from SXSW to CineVegas to Edinburgh, the film has reached the end of the usual fest run. No distributor has picked up the film, at least in part due to the fact that the entire ensemble cast, while great, are not recognizable. They preferred to have young actors, or unknowns, or non-actors:
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This has all led to the tone of the film, with overlapping stories of everyday people that are unique in their own way, with a touch of Raymond Carver-knack writing:
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The film will now be part of Indiewire’s 2007 Undiscovered Gems series. Audiences will select their favorite film to win the Sundance Channel Audience Award. The winning filmmaker will receive a cash award of $50,000, a theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles and at least five other U.S. cities during 2008, as well as an exclusive broadcast on Sundance Channel.
Shainin and Walker at CineVegas 06:
Please go see APART FROM THAT in the theater, where it will look beautiful.
In the next month, Shainin and Walker will sell out — they are moving out of the parent’s basement to a place across the street.
July 8th, 2007
this is wxcellent film making. but where is the gun play , squealing tires and the happy ending?
August 2nd, 2007
can’t you see the old lady’s fingers?? those are guns. the scene with her sitting outside? little honda racers are across the street peeling out. happy ending? there is actually a parade at the end. seriously. this film’s got it all. although two months later and Randy and Jennifer are still happy living in their parents’ basement.