Old Joy (2006)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Kelly Reichardt

Writers:

Jonathan Raymond (writer)
Kelly Reichardt (writer)

Release Date:

26 January 2007 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Two old pals reunite for a camping trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. |

Plot Keywords:

Oregon | Husband Wife Relationship | Cellular Phone | Hot Tub | Diner

Awards:

4 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Daniel London	...	Mark
Will Oldham	...	Kurt
Tanya Smith	...	Tanya
Robin Rosenberg	...	Waitress
Keri Moran	...	Lawnmower
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Autumn Campbell	...	Diner Patron
Steve Doughton	...	Diner Patron
Lucy	...	Herself
Matt McCormick	...	Weed Salesman
Darren Prolsen	...	Homeless Man
Jillian Wieseneck	...	Diner Patron

Runtime:

USA:76 min | UK:73 min | Argentina:76 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | Australia:M | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Bagby Hot Springs, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, USA

Company:

Film Science

Trivia:

The small New York distributor Kino International spent roughly $40,000 to transfer the film from 16 mm to 35 mm; $24,000 on 22 prints; $6,500 on 200 trailers; $4,000 on 50,000 postcards and about $3,000 on Web advertisements.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Mark and Kurt stop to get gas, Mark pumps his own gas. In Oregon, however, you are not allowed to pump your own gas.

Quotes:

Kurt: Sorrow is nothing but worn out joy.

Movie Connections:

References Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Surprisinlgy Not Boring

This is a movie where nothing at all happens. Surprisingly that's not a really bad thing. It is the story of a short dull road trip between two old friends. Two old friends that have nothing to say to each other.

Even though this movie is only about 70 minutes long, there is a still lot of filler. The filler is pretty and quiet in a mellow sort of way. Yo La Tengo's sparse soundtrack goes perfect with the lack of dialog and lack of action. Somehow it actually sort of works.

But I got a real sense of missed opportunity with this film. The filmmaker seems to have nothing to say. While amazingly well executed, there is no real depth to this film. Maybe that's the point. Even if, it felt like it needed more.

It is a nice film to watch if you find yourself in a mellow mood. It's like watching the scenery go by from a train. If you feel like a train ride, this is a pleasant one.