Mother Ghost (2002)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Rich Thorne

Writer:

Mark Thompson (writer)

Release Date:

3 March 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

Keith Bennets (Mark Thompson) mother passed away a year ago, and he feels like he has moved on with his life...

Awards:

7 wins

Cast

Mark Thompson	...	Keith Bennett
Kevin Pollak	...	Dr. Norris
Dana Delany	...	Karen Bennett
Jere Burns	...	Cemetary Anget
Charles Durning	...	George
Garry Marshall	...	Arthur
James Franco	...	Skateboarder guy
David Keith	...	Carey
Tyler Goucher	...	Ben Bennett
Wendy Davis	...	Stacy
Heather Shannon	...	Debbie
Raymond T. Williams	...	Bobby
Greg Cromer	...	Billy
Ali Pomerantz	...	Wendy
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Amanda Dickson	...	Bar girl #1
Joe Mantegna	...	Jerry
Brady Smith	...	Bartender
Amy Wade	...	Ruella

Runtime:

76 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Company:

It's An Us Thing Productions Inc.

Trivia:

Mark Thompson's original storyline was an eleven-page script he wrote as part of his acting class. At the time, his mother was terminally ill, and he wrote all the things he might wish he had said after she passed away. Thompson showed it to director Rich Thorne, who suggested that he take it out to feature length. The film itself was shot on weekends in late 2001 and early 2002. During that time, Mark Thompson's sister died; his father passed away shortly after production wrapped. Also during that time, both of Rich Thorne's parents died in a period of less than two weeks.

A fine film in the Bergman/Fellini tradition.

Mother Ghost screened at the Long Beach International Film Festival and enjoyed a strong, positive audience response. Everyone laughed at the humor that sprung naturally from the plot and characters, and either cried outright or fought back tears at the climax. Mark Thompson's performance is reminiscent of George Clooney in strength, good looks and humor. In addition, Kevin Pollack pulled off the best rendition of a screen psychiatrist one could ever hope for; pure genius!

This film is a genuine surprise in its remarkable use of non-traditional structure. Although it is linear, it is not really three acts; it is a powerful emotional journey in one act, almost like a play. The director, Rich Thorne, and lead actors Mark Thompson (of Mark & Brian fame) and Kevin Pollack pulled out some wonderful surprises for such a simple story: a man struggles to deal with grief after losing his mother. Using creative staging, situations and humor, the story propels an otherwise mundane premise into a real treat for the senses. Fans of either Bergman, Fellini or Hitchcock (yes, they can go together!) will definitely appreciate this fine film.