The new film from director Steven Soderbergh (SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE, ERIN BROCKOVICH) got a lot of press when it was released in theaters in January. However, it wasn’t about its content, but about the way it was released. It debuted in theaters on a Friday, came out on DVD the following Tuesday and was on the HDNet TV network within a week. It was part of an experiment to utilize the press for a theatrical release to support the DVD sales all at the same time. Theater owners were angry, but I think it’s much a do about nothing. Big blockbusters aren’t going to be released this way. But for a small film like this one, the fact that people are seeing it is a triumph. The release model is a wonderful new tool for low-concept films with no star-power to get in front of audiences. Now onto the film.
Using non-actors in the lead roles, Soderbergh creates a sad tale of small town life and how a newcomer can disrupt well-established patterns. Martha (Debbie Doebereiner) is a heavy, middle-aged factory worker, who takes care of her elderly father (Omar Cowan). She is friends with her shy, teenage co-worker Kyle (Dustin James Ashley). Then one day, single mother Rose (Misty Dawn Wilkins) comes to work at the doll factory with them. She’s young and attractive and catches the eye of Kyle. Martha is clearly jealous, but not because she thinks romantically about Kyle, but because Rose is changing things.
The low-key narrative doesn’t force the story forward with melodrama, but allows the characters to simply be themselves and let us watch them. The story does take unexpected dramatic turns, but they’re honest and well portrayed.
Doebereiner, who in real life is a retired KFC manager, has a real presence on the screen. She has a plain face like so many people you see daily, but on the screen it’s like an original splash of freshness. In a completely natural way, she develops her character with amazing subtly. She’s a natural. Soderbergh and writer Coleman Hough know that people’s lives and their feelings are powerful enough to captivate us without trumped up action, sentiment or confrontation. This matter-of-fact feature is simple and unforced while giving its small town characters the respect that most big budget Hollywood films rarely do.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
