What is your favorite independent film and is it on DVD?
 

For me I have to go with ...

Six-String Samurai
http://www.sixstringsamurai.com/

released by Palm Pictures

Attack of the Clones

Is there a film of the same name as Episode II? Because that certainly can't be considered an independent film, since it was released by a major motion picture company.

I believe it was distributed by 20thCenturyFox, but it was fully independently financed by Lucas, was it not?

BTW, my favorite indie film is 'Halloween', and yes, it is available in a veritable assload of different dvd editions.

Toxic Avenger

Really don't know what would be considered as an independent film. I assume you mean independently financed. Or do you mean released and distributed independently? If going with the first one, I would think Attack of the Clones would be an acceptable answer.

Robert Altman's "3 Women" (1977) with Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall. Produced by Lions Gate Films, Inc.

One of my favorites!!!!

Eddie and the Cruisers 2: Eddie Lives
 

Eddie and the Cruisers 2: Eddie Lives 1989. Made in Canada by Canadian Investors Group No 7 and Company. I and quite a few others are waiting for this, to be released in DVD. OAR and Dolby Stereo sound mix as stated by *IMDb*. We believe it's better than the original in 1983.

Well, I don't know how I would define independent film. When I think of independent films, I think of movies, that were non-mainstream, produced or released by some of the smaller unknown production companies. The type of films you would see on Independent Film Channel - released at some of the smaller film festivals, things like that. Does that help in terms of a definition?

BETTER LUCK TOMORROW & it's in theaters now.

You gotta respect a director, Justin Lin, who maxed out 10 credit cards to make this movie.

Plus, that Virgil character was hilarious. He reminded me of Cheddar Bob in 8 Mile.

Can't wait to see all the extras on the DVD when it comes out.

Here's a thread on it in the Movie Talk Forum.

Better Luck Tomorrow

You may be better served by terms such as 'arthouse' or 'alternative', although I don't care for them myself. Your question seems to be more in line with the non-mainstream QUALITY of the film, whereas the term 'independent' should really only refer to the manner in which financing was accomplished for a feature, as opposed to being a comment on the content of said picture.

It is a totally independently financed film. Lucasfilm actually pays 20th Century Fox to handle the distribution for them rather than the other way around.

Girlfight
Clerks

While there is no clear cut definition of an independent film it's generally considered to be made and financed without a movie studios support, assets or backing. Since, Lucasfilm is not just a production company but has people on salary working on movie projects in his offices/studio it clearly wouldn't be considered an independent film.

To my mind, an example of an independent film is Living in Oblivion. Terrific film and cast and now on DVD (also on tonight if you get IFC) Many in the cast not only worked for free - they gave their own money to the project because they believe in it and wanted to see it made.

Independent film means financed outside of Hollywood and free of Hollywood interference. Lucas is in northern California, finances the films out of pocket, and exercises sole control over them.

By your logic if I wanted to make a film and I rented an office, called it Pants Productions, and put a screenwriter, an editor, and a cinematographer on salary, I would no longer be independent, because now I'm a production company.

Lucas defines independent. His project, his money, no interference from anyone.

In fact he is the only true independent. Most other "indies" are dependant on studios or boutiques to "pick up" their films. Most Indie filmmakers may finance their films out of pocket, but they only do it in the hopes of getting piked up. Lucas doesn't have to sweat that.

Lucas is so independent that the only thing keeping him from being more independent is anti-trust laws. If it weren't for them he could build "George Lucas Theaters" and be the sole distributor and exhibitor of his own films so that he could get all the popcorn money and 100% of the Box Office take :)

Well the question was "What is your favorite independent film...?"

No one should answer Attack of the Clones. :D

Don't change my words by this renting office space nonsense.

Lucas is paying people yearly salaries and he owns his own buildings whether he makes a movie or not. What does the physical location of where his offices are have anything to do with it? Why this Hollywood centric view of making movies?

By your definition, Canal Plus makes independent movies just because they aren't in Hollywood.

So, I guess since AOL Time Warner is based in NYC they make independent films ..... right ;)

My top 5 (in no particular order):
Memento
Donnie Darko
Boondock Saints
Roger & Me
Hoop Dreams

Ghost Dog

Bottle Rocket is one of my favorites. It's on dvd but needs a better release with some commentary and other goodies like with Wes Andersons other gems.

update on my choice. slip Toxic Avenger to 2nd....and slam Night of the Living Dead into the top notch.:D

One of my favorites is still missing on DVD, Mi Vida Loca

Happiness or Meet the Feebles, and yes to both...

Pi