A Slipping-Down Life (1999)

A young woman becomes obsessed with a small-time North Carolina rock singer.

Director:

Toni Kalem

Writers:

Michael Charles Hill (story), Toni Kalem,

Stars:

Lili Taylor, Guy Pearce, Irma P. Hall

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lili Taylor	...	Evie Decker
Guy Pearce	...	Drumstrings Casey
Irma P. Hall	...	Clotelia
John Hawkes	...	David Elliot
Veronica Cartwright	...	Mrs. Casey
Marshall Bell	...	Mr. Casey
Shawnee Smith	...	Faye-Jean Lindsay
Sara Rue	...	Violet
Bruno Kirby	...	Kiddie Arcades Manager
Tom Bower	...	Mr. Decker
Jo Ann Farabee	...	Woman at Salon
Harv Morgan	...	Dick St. Clair
Jason Russell Waller	...	Audience Member #1
Lew Temple	...	Audience Member #2
Jason Kavalewitz	...	Young Sexband

Storyline

Evie Decker, a shy young woman, falls in love with pop star Drumstrings Casey after hearing his voice on the radio. Summoning the courage to pursue the singer, Evie starts to break out of her shell...

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Plot Keywords:

singer | north carolina | radio | amusement park | volkswagen | 

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Taglines:

You think you're invisible. But I see you.

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

Lions Gate Films [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 1999 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$9,066 (USA) (14 May 2004)

Gross:

$95,436 (USA) (11 June 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DVC Entertainment, PFG Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Austin mayor, Kirk Watson makes a cameo in the drugstore scene.

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Goofs

Although it is implied that the movie takes place in North Carolina but in the beginning, when Evie and her father are at the breakfast table, the jam and milk are of a brand that is only sold in HEB stores, which are only found in Texas. (Where the film was actually shot)

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Quotes

Evie Decker: So what did you think of Drumstrings Casey?
Faye-Jean Lindsay: Well I don't know what the fuck he's jabbering about but with a body like that, who cares.
[laughs]

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Soundtracks

"You've Got a Sweet Mouth on you Baby"
Written by Robyn Hitchcock

User Reviews

Despite the differences, the Film captures the Book's Quirky and Quiet Essence

"A Slipping Down Life" was originally released at the Sundance Film Festival in 1999, but because of "creative differences" between the producers and the director/actors, it never was released...until now.

Lion's Gate Films now owns the distribution rights. The film premieres in NY and LA on May 14th (elsewhere across the United States in late May/early June).

I saw the movie last month at the Phoenix Film Festival. Toni Kalem, the director, was present, and she conducted a Q&A session with the audience after the showing. One of the common topics during this discussion was related to the differences between the book and the movie.

While I haven't read it, it appeared that the die-hard fans of the book were totally drawn in and satisfied with the movie (and Anne Tyler, herself, gave her "official approval" to Toni Kalem's screen play adaption).

Lili Taylor is absolutely brilliant in this movie, and Guy Pearce offers a performance you might not expect.

Finally, before heading out to see this, make a point to grab a box of Kleenex - I found myself in tears more than a few times.