The Amateurs (2005)
"The Moguls" (original title)

Citizens of a small town, under the influence of a man in the midst of a mid-life crisis, come together to make an adult film.

Director:

Michael Traeger

Writer:

Michael Traeger

Stars:

Jeff Bridges, Tim Blake Nelson, Joe Pantoliano

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Bridges	...	Andy Sargentee
Tim Blake Nelson	...	Barney Macklehatton
Joe Pantoliano	...	Some Idiot
Ted Danson	...	Moose
William Fichtner	...	Otis
Patrick Fugit	...	Emmett
John Hawkes	...	Moe
Brad William Henke	...	Ron (as Brad Henke)
Dawn Didawick	...	Clara
Glenne Headly	...	Helen Tatelbaum
Tom Bower	...	Floyd
Jayne Taini	...	Mrs. Morrelli
Lauren Graham	...	Peggy
Jeanne Tripplehorn	...	Thelma
Alex D. Linz	...	Billy

Storyline

Andy Sargentee is a decent guy and the town's favorite failure: an unemployable dreamer whose ex's husband's wealth intimidates Andy to such an extent he does little with his teen son. Andy's new idea is for Butterface Fields to be the first town to band together to make the first full-length feature amateur adult film. He recruits five regulars at Floyd's Bar to contribute $2000 each. They get the kid at the video store, whose camcorder is constantly on, to be the cinematographer. The pal they all call "Some Idiot" volunteers to be writer-director. Otis becomes producer. Now, can they find actors, and especially, women? Can a pornography project give Andy self-respect?

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Plot Keywords:

small town | sex | loser | bar | friend | 

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Taglines:

Not your average adult movie.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content and language

Details

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 April 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Amateurs

Filming Locations:

Arcadia, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,149 (USA) (7 December 2007)

Gross:

$15,090 (USA) (14 December 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Qwerty Films, N1 European Film Produktions GmbH & Co. KG

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Andy Sargentee: I don't do, Ok, I try. And I'm trying to make a porno because it's something I might be able to do. Because it's killing me I haven't done anything. You know, people who do, they have extra time, not us trying people, we're busy trying all the time. Nothing takes up more time than trying.

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Crazy Credits

Before the end credits, you can see the credits for the documentary they made: Writer-Director - Some Idiot Producer - Andy Sargentee Executive Producer - Otis Cartwright Co-producer & Head of PR (2 Things) - Barney Macklehatton Cinemaphotographer & Editor - Emmett Wilder Almost Starring - Moose Bailey The town of Butterface Fields wishes to thank the town of Butterface Fields In loving memory of Lillian and Sidney Sargentee

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Connections

References The Andy Griffith Show (1960)

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Soundtracks

"Never Never"
Written by Macintosh & Charles
Performed by Macintosh & Charles
Courtesy of Extreme Production Music USA

User Reviews

A brilliant and subtle movie.

A brilliant and subtle movie. If you like quick mind candy and over done special effects you will not enjoy this film. However if you like human stories with endearing comedy you will love this film. Joe Pantoliano totally sacrificed his tough guy image that he developed in the Sopranos in order to clearly and humorously depict a quirky character in the film. Ted Danson did the same; totally destroying that suave smooth Cheers persona that he has been maintaining for so many years. WARNING: People who want the actors stuck in a box don't go and see this film. It is a brilliant fast moving witty depiction of the dreams that so many of us have, but few have the courage to fulfill.