Urbania (2000)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Jon Matthews

Writers:

Daniel Reitz (play)
Daniel Reitz (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

9 August 2001 (Israel)

Genre:

Thriller | Drama

Tagline:

Hear any good stories lately?

Plot:

Charlie takes an odyssey through grief during a fall weekend in New York City. His encounters are planned...

Plot Keywords:

One Night Stand | Violence | Urban Legend | Gay Interest | Gay Bashing

Awards:

5 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Dan Futterman	...	Charlie
Samuel Ball	...	Dean
Lothaire Bluteau	...	Bill
Alan Cumming	...	Brett
Josh Hamilton	...	Matt
Matt Keeslar	...	Chris
James Simon	...	Sam
Megan Dodds	...	Deedee
Gabriel Olds	...	Ron
Barbara Sukowa	...	Clara - The Married Woman
Gerry Bamman	...	Don
Scott Denny	...	Ken
Pamela Shaw	...	Judy - The Photo Lady
David Wheir	...	Gary
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Christopher Bradley	...	Efraim - The Window Couple
Cheryl Brubaker	...	Pam (as Cheryl Brubacker)
Marylouise Burke	...	Yvette - The Poodle Lady
David T. Catapano	...	Frat Guy
Rich Clayton	...	Cashier
Joe Danisi	...	Vin - One Night Stands
Paul Dawson	...	The Bloodied Man
Sanjiv Jhaveri	...	Cassandra's Helper
Brian Keane	...	Neil, The Window Couple
Bill Sage	...	Chuck
Paige Turco	...	Cassandra
Melinda Wade	...	Nadine - One Night Stands

Also Known As:

Urban Folk Tales (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violent and sexual content, including related dialogue, and for language and some drug use.

Runtime:

103 min | Argentina:106 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:18 | Singapore:(Banned) | Argentina:16 | USA:R | Australia:MA | Chile:14 | Portugal:M/16

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Commotion Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: The stocking hat that Bill puts on in his final meeting with Charlie, changes position between shots.

Quotes:

Charlie: Distract me, man. Take me out of my own head for two minutes.

Movie Connections:

References Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

Powerful drama is a genuine cathartic experience

"Urbania" is a film that deals with tough issues in a complex way. Directed by first-timer Jon Shear with amazing surehandedness, "Urbania" tells the story of recently-singled Charlie, who has seemingly become disillusioned from society. Shear's script, based on the play "Urban Folk Tales," is a sharp and occasionally hilarious look at a gay man's search for redemption and love. Obsessed with a man he's only seen on the street, Charlie wanders the streets, looking for love, and hoping to rekindle his past relationship. It's a simple story, dealing with some hard issues in a non-linear way.

Dan Futterman is heartbreaking in a very challenging role that requires him to gain our sympathy in spite of his problems. On top of it all, however, is Shear, who handles this material with affection and heart. His direction manages to be moody, atmospheric, suspenseful, and scary, all the while maintaining our sympathy for Charlie. Thankfully, just as the film gets too serious for its own good, Shear throws in numerous asides to urban folk tales and reenacts them. It's very funny, but in the end, it's as cathartic a film as you will see all year. Do yourself a favor and catch this emotionally-haunting film but remember: bring tissues. You'll need 'em.