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

A funny, family-friendly film!

What a fantastic debut feature from Gwen Wynne. I was privileged to have the opportunity to see it on the big screen at Outfest 2009, and what a joy it was! In all honesty, I went to the film primarily because an actress I admire, Anne Ramsay, played one of the supporting roles. I had no idea I would be in for such an enjoyable afternoon - and subsequently bought tickets to the next (and final) showing of the film. I enjoyed both screenings mightily, and am so glad I had the chance to see it. Contrary to my expectations (from the title I saw it under, "American Primitive"), the film was quite funny, and though I know gay subject matter is still sadly taboo in many American households, I found it to be quite family friendly. I'm actually thrilled to find out that they're changing the title - I think that will likely attract a wider audience, which deserves to see this film.

I also have to emphasize, as I find it irritating in a range of gay films - this film is NOT meant to preach to you. Far from it - it instead tells an honest story, more focused on the coming-of-age of the daughters of a gay man than on his relationship, which functions more as a backdrop than a central focus, a fact I appreciated. A particular stand-out in the cast was Skye McCole Bartusiak as Daisy, who got frequent laughs from both viewing audiences when I was in attendance.

I can't wait for the DVD, as I've been encouraging friends and family alike to see it where it's available, and though a few have managed to catch it at festivals, I would love to be able to force - I mean, cajole - them to purchase the DVD. ;-)