Daddy and Them (2001)

Director:

Billy Bob Thornton

Writer (WGA):

Billy Bob Thornton (written by)

Release Date:

2002 (Mexico)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

Dark comedy where a married couple comes to the aid of a jailed uncle.

Plot Keywords:

Arkansas | Musician | Humor | Directed By Star | Murder Suspect

Cast

Billy Bob Thornton	...	Claude Montgomery
Laura Dern	...	Ruby Montgomery
Diane Ladd	...	Jewel
Kelly Preston	...	Rose
Andy Griffith	...	O.T. Montgomery
Sandra Seacat	...	Elbe Montgomery
John Prine	...	Alvin Montgomery
Jeff Bailey	...	J.C. Montgomery
Jim Varney	...	Hazel Montgomery
Brenda Blethyn	...	Julia Montgomery
Tuesday Knight	...	Billy Montgomery
Walton Goggins	...	Tommy Christian
Daniel Steven DiVito	...	Max
Jamie Lee Curtis	...	Elaine Bowen
Ben Affleck	...	Lawrence Bowen

Also Known As:

Daddy & Them (USA) (DVD box title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:L | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-7 | Australia:M | Germany:12 | Singapore:NC-16 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Cabot, Arkansas, USA

Company:

Free Hazel Films

Trivia:

When co-star Jim Varney was undergoing treatments for his illness, Billy Bob Thornton moved the schedule around so Varney could film his scenes.

This should have been a ten star film.

From the first time I caught a portion of this film on Showtime until I finally found a copy on DVD, I asked myself, "Why wasn't this released in the theaters?" I have rationalized that it was too real for the average Southern audience and conversely bizarre to a Northern group. Add the fact that Jim Varney was unable to complete the film, which I'm sure, created some last minute re-writes and the botch job the editors did in the cutting room and the answer becomes more obvious.

The movie had a superior cast and each thespian was spot on in the portrayal of their respective roles. From the obvious stars Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of an alcoholic, troglodytic, narcissistic redneck and Andy Griffith's character whose nightmare plagued view of life was truly delightful to watch, to the unsung Walter Goggins spot-on Southern Homosexual; Tommy Christianson (Jim Varney's alleged victim) and the tandem of Jaimie Lee's and Affleck's portrayals of fish out of water Yankees, all the actors were well above Hollywood's standards.

The writing was as close as one can get to true to life redneck/white trash dialog. I use the terms redneck/white trash with personal pride having spent a good number of my life's years living in a trailer in Alabama. I have been surrounded by and endured these types with much fascination for quite some time and this movie was completely a slice of life. Well worth watching and should be a part of every Southerner's DVD collection.

Through all the madness that ensues in the film, the finale leaves one feeling warm and fuzzy, if you work for it. You can see the potential for change and growth in all walks of humanity. The poor struggle with the past but live in the now. They walk in the shadows of the educated but are far from being imbeciles. Obscene behavior shows ignorance not stupidity. Anyone that sees this film and cannot get past all the verbose behavior in the film will not grasp the underlying love that is being purveyed. The Character's total dysfunction disables them from rational thoughts and actions, however, they do care for one another honestly and carry exceptionally strong family bonds.

Now, for the most troubling aspect; the fatal flaw was the editing. The movie at first glance has some gaps and unexplainable situations that are baffling and distracting. Upon viewing the deleted scenes portion of the DVD the movie's intent and flow are re-established. This is still a very good film. Sadly, it could have been a great one.