Old Joy (2006)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Kelly Reichardt

Writers:

Jonathan Raymond (writer)
Kelly Reichardt (writer)

Release Date:

26 January 2007 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Two old pals reunite for a camping trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. |

Plot Keywords:

Oregon | Dog | Guilt | Bird | Diner

Awards:

4 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Daniel London	...	Mark
Will Oldham	...	Kurt
Tanya Smith	...	Tanya
Robin Rosenberg	...	Waitress
Keri Moran	...	Lawnmower
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Autumn Campbell	...	Diner Patron
Steve Doughton	...	Diner Patron
Lucy	...	Herself
Matt McCormick	...	Weed Salesman
Darren Prolsen	...	Homeless Man
Jillian Wieseneck	...	Diner Patron

Runtime:

USA:76 min | UK:73 min | Argentina:76 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | Australia:M | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Bagby Hot Springs, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, USA

Company:

Film Science

Trivia:

The small New York distributor Kino International spent roughly $40,000 to transfer the film from 16 mm to 35 mm; $24,000 on 22 prints; $6,500 on 200 trailers; $4,000 on 50,000 postcards and about $3,000 on Web advertisements.

Goofs:

Continuity: One would be shooting the gun at the campfire, then the camera would shoot back and the hand they shot with would be empty.

Quotes:

Kurt: Sorrow is nothing but worn out joy.

Movie Connections:

References Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

minotaurs and minions mincing maple

I really loved it. (Will Oldham did a great job, but even without him I would have loved it.) The only thing I disliked were a few of the scenery shots from their car, which got a little long. At the same time, they set a nice mood for the trip the protaggies were taking, and Yo La Tengo hovered sweetly right along with them. The dialog was marvelous. The acting was excellent (on both counts) and subtle. It was funny. It was thoughtful without being pretentious. It was not dogmatic, but it put forth some sweet poetic images and ideas in a raw, natural, unassuming way. It was drenched in duende. I really identified with it. I hope I can get my hands on a copy one day. It had a few tiny faults, but It was endearing and honest. There were no earth-shattering answers, just very subtle resolutions for both characters. It felt familiar.