Sugar Town (1999)

Unimpassioned look at the lives of struggling L.A. scene rock stars follows main character, Gwen, on her quest for the top. Working as an assistant to a film production designer, she tries ... See full summary »

Directors:

Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Writers:

Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Stars:

Jade Gordon, John Taylor, Michael Des Barres

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jade Gordon	...	Gwen
John Taylor	...	Clive
Michael Des Barres	...	Nick
Martin Kemp	...	Jonesy
Larry Klein	...	Burt
John Doe	...	Carl
Lucinda Jenney	...	Kate
Marion Moseley	...	In Utero Baby
Veronica Nommenson	...	Violet
Elena Nommenson	...	Rose
Amelia Nommenson	...	Daisy
Ally Sheedy	...	Liz
Nicholas Walker	...	Masseuse
Rosanna Arquette	...	Eva
Jeffrey McDonald	...	Kevin (as Jeff McDonald)

Storyline

Unimpassioned look at the lives of struggling L.A. scene rock stars follows main character, Gwen, on her quest for the top. Working as an assistant to a film production designer, she tries to steal her boy friend who is a music producer by offering sexual favors. The producer meanwhile is trying to orchestrate a comeback for a former glam band played by Michael Des Barres (of Power Station fame), John Taylor (from Duran Duran), and Martin Kemp (from Spandau Ballet). Rosanna Arquette plays the former movie star wife of the lead singer, who is fretting because she has just been offered the role as the mother of one of the new ingenious. Beverly D'Angelo also shows up as a millionairess who agrees to bankroll the group, but only if she gets a roll in the hay with the lead singer. All of the career problems, including drug proclivity, are represented in this film.

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | music producer | paternity | drug rehabilitation | adultery | 

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Taglines:

The best place to be.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, some drug content and sexuality

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 2001 (France)

Also Known As:

Untitled Anders-Voss Project

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$42,668 (USA) (17 September 1999)

Gross:

$177,840 (USA) (12 November 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, October Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Liz (Ally Sheedy) is seen reading a book written by "Dr. Kurt Voss, Ph.D." Kurt Voss co-wrote and directed the film.

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Soundtracks

"Kate Moss"
Written by Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat
Performed by Arab Strap
Published by GRA
Courtesy of Matador Records

User Reviews

Naturalistic, funny, charming, bittersweet winner!

Allison Anders' best movie is a terrific ensemble piece, and what an ensemble! Seemingly playing themselves are ex-Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet members John Taylor and Martin Kemp, X frontman John Doe, Michael Des Barres (whose self-parody here deserves some kind of award), plus great turns from Rosanna Arquette, Beverly D'Angelo, Ally Sheedy, someone named Lucinda Jenney (I love her whoever she is) and a number of other actors who barely seem to be acting, they are so natural and the dialogue so true to life. This is one of those rare movies of perfectly observed little details, with not a false note struck; plus it gives a droll and utterly believable glimpse inside the LA music and production worlds. You care about each character, even the detestable ones (like central figure Gwen) and there are about 20 characters to follow. Reminds a bit of an early Alan Rudolph piece but breezier and less self-conscious. I give SUGAR TOWN 8 stars, or 3 1/2 on Len Maltin's scale. I live for movies this good.