Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

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Synopsis (found on Wikipedia):

Based on news reports and a press release from October 2010, the film is about Abe, a 30-something male living with his parents, reluctantly working for his father while pursuing his hobby of collecting toys. To lose his "dark horse" status in the family, he's also trying to spark a relationship with Miranda, who recently moved back home after a failed literary/academic career. Miranda agrees to marry Abe out of desperation, and things go awry from there.

Cast:

Jordan Gelber as Abe
Selma Blair as Miranda
Christopher Walken as Jackie
Mia Farrow as Phyllis
Justin Bartha as Richard
Aasif Mandvi as Mahmoud
Donna Murphy as Marie
Mary Joy as Lori
Peter McRobbie as Arnie
Zachary Booth as Justin

*************************************************

As a big fan of the uncomfortable, unsafe films Solondz makes, I can't wait to check this out.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

That description could easily be about a few people I know. :lol: Sounds good.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

interesting...I'd like to see the trailer before I jive w/ it.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Never even heard of Solondz before this thread.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

:jawdrop:

Go watch Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness.

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Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I've seen Welcome to the Dollhouse. Never knew who directed it (and barely remember it). Never saw Happiness.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I've loved everything he's done. This likely wont come to a theater near me, but it's something i'll check out as soon as I possibly can.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I highly recommend Happiness. I think it's absolutely hilarious in a really dark and uncomfortable way. It's certainly not for all tastes, but I think it was among the best films of the '90s.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Happiness is really a great film. I haven't seen anything like it (and not interested in suggestions).

That park scene is one of the cruelest scenes ever. It's extra cruel because of it's juxtaposition against the music and setting. And then Solondz forces you to laugh about it seconds later. Awful, just awful.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Whenever I think of Solondz's work, the first thing that always pops into my head is Selma Blair's sex scene from the beginning of Storytelling... and what she's instructed to say.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I might just be watching Happiness & Life During Wartime (which I just got during the BN sale) tonight.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I'd love for all the deleted material to show up on a blu-ray one day. Storytelling is probably my second favorite Solondz film.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Happiness is a masterwork. It's like a modern day Ibsen play, but even more cruel.

Unfortunately Life During Wartime was an unbearable drag of a film. I sincerely hope Solondz got whatever he was doing there out of his system.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I still remember a joke (maybe on SNL?) about Van Der Beek's gay sex scenes being cut, with the commentator saying he was quoted as "They were filming that?", or some such reply. I have a feeling Solondz is the type of filmmaker who cuts stuff and buries it.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Great interview with Solondz from Collider:

http://collider.com/todd-solondz-dar...14585/?_r=true

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

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Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Is this out anywhere? I really enjoy Solondz films but figured this would probably only play in NY & LA.

Can't seem to find a website with what cities it's playing in.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Ditto. I checked on Fandango and came up blank.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

It's playing in NYC only, and even then only at a single arthouse theater (well, not really "arthouse" so much but same general idea). Don't expect it to expand, and it will likely debut on VOD in a couple months.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Guess I'll catch it on VOD for about 10 bucks. I hope it's soon.

Solondz is a MUST-SEE for me. Nothing will touch Happiness, IMO. But even his so-so films are still interesting and entertaining.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Heard a great review on this on NPR today.
Wasn't on my radar before that, despite appreciating some of Solondz earlier work. Will definitely be looking to catch this at some point.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

Finally watched this on BD last night.

Solondz is back on the horse after losing me a bit with Life During Wartime and Palindromes. The main character, Abe, is such a neurotic, angry troll of a man. He's the worst posters of the internet in the flesh. His exchange with a Toys 'R Us employee was slightly frightening since I can almost understand his mentality. And, boy, is he one delusional fuck.

Selma Blair mopes around the entire time. At least she looks cute doing it.

Walken and Farrow are great as his unconditionally ooving parents, whom he uses as a total means to an end.

I'd call it one of his most accessible films. There's more of a linear flow to the story, and characters are a little more relatable than some of his other outings.

Re: Dark Horse (Solondz - Fall 2011)
 

I didn't care much for this at all. I enjoyed Life During Wartime a bit more.

There was potential here, but I thought it was wasted.

Solondz is overdue for another really good film. I hope it comes soon.