From Alan Ball (Writer of American Beauty and Six Feet Under): Towelhead
#1
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From Alan Ball (Writer of American Beauty and Six Feet Under): Towelhead
I'm a huge Alan Ball fan (Six Feet Under is my #1 favorite show) and I know a lot of people around here are too, so check out this new movie that he's writing and directing.
Seems like somewhat standard Alan Ball fare, but he always brings something new and poignant to the table. Plus the guy who played Claire's teacher, Olivie, in Six Feet Under is playing the girls father.
Trailer here .
Towelhead
Staring: Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter Macdissi, and Summer Bishil
TOWELHEAD follows the dark, bold and shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence and her own sexual awakening. When Jasira’s mother sends her to Houston to live with her strict Lebanese father, she quickly learns that her new neighbors find her and her father a curiosity. Worse, her budding womanhood makes her traditional and hot-tempered father uncomfortable. Lonely in this new environment, Jasira seeks friendship and acceptance from her neighbors Mr. Vuoso, an Army reservist, and Melina, a meddling but caring expectant mother. Thrown into an unfamiliar suburban world, Jasira must confront racism and hypocrisy at home and at school - and at the same time struggle to make sense of her raging hormones and newfound sexuality. Her boyfriend, Thomas, though a few years older, provides some comfort - but even that relationship causes problems when her father discovers that Thomas is black. Surrounded by adults who are just as lost as she is, Jasira yearns for understanding, even amidst often brutal acts.
Staring: Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter Macdissi, and Summer Bishil
TOWELHEAD follows the dark, bold and shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence and her own sexual awakening. When Jasira’s mother sends her to Houston to live with her strict Lebanese father, she quickly learns that her new neighbors find her and her father a curiosity. Worse, her budding womanhood makes her traditional and hot-tempered father uncomfortable. Lonely in this new environment, Jasira seeks friendship and acceptance from her neighbors Mr. Vuoso, an Army reservist, and Melina, a meddling but caring expectant mother. Thrown into an unfamiliar suburban world, Jasira must confront racism and hypocrisy at home and at school - and at the same time struggle to make sense of her raging hormones and newfound sexuality. Her boyfriend, Thomas, though a few years older, provides some comfort - but even that relationship causes problems when her father discovers that Thomas is black. Surrounded by adults who are just as lost as she is, Jasira yearns for understanding, even amidst often brutal acts.
Trailer here .
#4
DVD Talk Legend
No brainer indeed! I'm all over this. "Six Feet Under" was the best show television ever produced IMO. And I really miss it.
#6
How is the title any different than Jarhead? Ok, I'm kidding. I've never heard "towelhead" as a derogatory term, in fact I've never even heard the term "towelhead" before. I have had heard much worse.
As for this film, I cannot wait. I think American Beauty is one of the greatest screenplays I've ever read.
As for this film, I cannot wait. I think American Beauty is one of the greatest screenplays I've ever read.
#7
DVD Talk Special Edition
I saw this in Toronto last year when it was called "Nothing Is Private." I'm a big fan of Six Feet Under, but was terribly disappointed. This film tackles some very serious issues and tries to mix in comedy and I didn't feel any of it worked.
#8
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Just saw it, and thought it was great. Terrific performances all around. Especially Peter Macdissi. The scenes with Eckhart and the girl were pretty creepy and disturbing though.
#9
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Pretty good. The cinematography is very reminiscent of American Beauty and the themes of adult men lusting after teenage girls is there. Anyone who has the impression that this is a screwball comedy based on the publicity should be warned that it's actually kind of disturbing.
#11
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So the director of American Beauty does a movie called Jarhead and the writer of American Beauty makes a movie called Towelhead? They need to rejoin forces to finish the trilogy.
#13
DVD Talk Hero
Saw a preview for this on HBO. Looks interesting.
#14
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Too bad Oliver Stone already made W... otherwise, we could have had Alan Ball and Sam Mendes' Cokehead.
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#17
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Pretty good. The cinematography is very reminiscent of American Beauty and the themes of adult men lusting after teenage girls is there. Anyone who has the impression that this is a screwball comedy based on the publicity should be warned that it's actually kind of disturbing.
#22
DVD Talk Legend
See above.
Also, I think if you look at the bad reviews, it's mostly the subject matter that's making these critics giving it a thumbs down. There are some terrific performances. And the screenplay is quite good. If you are on the fence, take in a matinee. I definitely recommend to any Alan Ball fans.
#24
Moderator
See above.
Also, I think if you look at the bad reviews, it's mostly the subject matter that's making these critics giving it a thumbs down. There are some terrific performances. And the screenplay is quite good. If you are on the fence, take in a matinee. I definitely recommend to any Alan Ball fans.
Also, I think if you look at the bad reviews, it's mostly the subject matter that's making these critics giving it a thumbs down. There are some terrific performances. And the screenplay is quite good. If you are on the fence, take in a matinee. I definitely recommend to any Alan Ball fans.
yet, a film like Me and You and Everyone We Know which tackles some similiar subject matter/taboos is critically praised... I don't buy it, nor do I particularily want to see this film, Alan Ball or not.
#25
DVD Talk Limited Edition
I thought it was decent but really uncomfortable in parts. I was glad I knew the main girl was 20 and not 13.
My wife and I were literally the only ones in the theater at a 7 PM Saturday night showing, so I don't expect it to be around long.
My wife and I were literally the only ones in the theater at a 7 PM Saturday night showing, so I don't expect it to be around long.