American Primitive (2009)

In 1973 playing it straight can get a little twisted... Set in 1973 and inspired by true events, 'American Primitive' tells the story of the havoc that is wreaked in a teenage girl's life ... See full summary »

Director:

Gwen Wynne

Writers:

Mary Beth Fielder, Gwen Wynne

Stars:

Tate Donovan, Adam Pascal, Danielle Savre

Cast

Credited cast:
Tate Donovan	...	Harry
Adam Pascal	...	Theo
Danielle Savre	...	Madeline Goodhart
Skye McCole Bartusiak	...	Daisy Goodhart
Josh Peck	...	Spoke White
Corey Sevier	...	Sam
Susan Anspach	...	Martha
James Sikking	...	William Cauldicott
Anne Ramsay	...	Mrs. Brown
Stacey Dash	...	Joy Crowley
Johanna Braddy	...	Lucy Carmichael
Jordan-Claire Green	...	Bridget Howard
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Blythe Auffarth	...	Eliza
Lili Barsha	...	Tiger Lady
Veronica Blake	...	Heidi Lotito

Storyline

In 1973 playing it straight can get a little twisted... Set in 1973 and inspired by true events, 'American Primitive' tells the story of the havoc that is wreaked in a teenage girl's life when she discovers her widowed father is gay. Alternately comic and tragic, the film captures the homophobia of the time set against a backdrop of small town America on Cape Cod. The film utilizes emblematic music expressing the artistic and experimental freedom of the early 70s.

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Plot Keywords:

cape cod | teenage girl | dancing | tennis | cape cod massachusetts | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Wild About Harry

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cape Cod Films, Firebrand Entertainment, Wild at Heart Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Another Way Around"
Written by John Harvey
Performed by Dave Hawkes
Under License from Imaginary Friends Music Partners

User Reviews

Palm Springs International Film Festival

I just saw this movie at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It was the "world premier" - which I find odd since the film was shown in 2008 elsewhere. The film said copyright 2009 - so perhaps it was re-edited. Overall I liked the movie, though as a gay man, I realized right away that it was from the viewpoint of the straight daughter. The theme that families of all kinds are valid was the best part. I wish that there had been more understanding of the gay characters, particularly in the era that the film was set. The gay characters seemed dim-witted and incompetent of detailed conversation. Perhaps that's the way they were supposed to appear. I wish the daughter who was the poet had more lines. She was terrific. I do congratulate the producer for a great film on her first try.