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Nothing Is Private (2007)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
26 September 2008 (USA) moreTagline:
How Can You Find Yourself if No One Can See You? morePlot:
A young Arab-American girl struggles with her sexual obsession, a bigoted Army reservist and her strict father during the Gulf War. full summary | full synopsisPlot Keywords:
moreAwards:
1 nomination moreNewsDesk:
(47 articles)
Towelhead on DVD (From CanMag. 2 February 2009, 9:50 AM, PST)
/Filmcast Ep. 35 - Towelhead (Guest: Stephen Tobolowsky)
(From /Film. 27 January 2009, 7:52 PM, PST)
User Comments:
Sundance premier under new name moreUS TV Schedule:
| Tue. July 28 | 2:35 AM | MAX |
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Summer Bishil | ... | Jasira Maroun | |
| Chris Messina | ... | Barry | |
| Maria Bello | ... | Gail Monahan | |
| Peter Macdissi | ... | Rifat Maroun (as Peter MacDissi) | |
| Gemmenne de la Peña | ... | Denise | |
| Robert Baker | ... | Mr. Joffrey | |
| Eamonn Roche | ... | School Photographer | |
| Aaron Eckhart | ... | Travis Vuoso | |
| Carrie Preston | ... | Evelyn Vuoso | |
| Chase Ellison | ... | Zack Vuoso | |
| Irina Voronina | ... | "Snow Queen" Centerfold | |
| Cleo King | ... | Sales Clerk | |
| Michael McShae | ... | Middle School Jerk #1 | |
| D.C. Cody | ... | Middle School Jerk #2 | |
| Soledad St. Hilaire | ... | Janitor |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Towelhead (Australia) (USA) (new title)Untitled Alan Ball Project (USA) (working title)
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MPAA:
Rated R for strong disturbing sexual content and abuse involving a young teen, and for language.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
USA:124 minCountry:
USAColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreFilming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USAFun Stuff
Goofs:
Anachronisms: The microwave in the father's house looked current, the airport looked really modern, the nudie mags didn't look that old, and most of the clothes throughout the film looked all wrong. moreQuotes:
[first lines]Barry: You're beautiful just the way you are, Jasira. Those other girls are just jealous because you're growing up faster than they are. And you're prettier than they are. Listen, don't let it get you down. Stupid names they're calling you. This year - just gimme a second
[wets the razor]
Barry: this year, your gonna shut them up. Only, probably you shouldn't tell your mom about this.
more
Soundtrack:
She Drives Me Crazy moreFAQ
Is this movie based on a book?What does the alternate title "Towelhead" mean?
Is this movie about child abuse?
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Just left the Sundance premier. They changed the title back to Towelhead, kind of a harsh turn-off while choosing a movie, but I guess that was the name of the semi- autobiographical novel. The author was present and looks well recovered from her childhood.
I can see why many reviewers hate this movie. It's cringe-worthy to watch the sexual awakening of a pubescent teen, when her parents and other important adults are childishly self-centered, in contrast to her own childlike innocence, honesty and vulnerability. That contrast and that cringe are what make it real and relevant. An unnerving part of the story is that the protagonist is never a victim. She is too inexperienced and too unmentored to act in what an adult would consider her own best interest, at least at first. But, she never participates in anything against her will. She is never denied her freedom, at least no one who tries to restrict her has the will and persistence to succeed for long. Hers is not to suffer, then be redeemed and live happily ever after. Hers is to introduce sex into her life this way, then go on.
Regarding the mechanics of the movie, it is explicit, but not graphic. Viewers hoping for teen porn will be disappointed, body parts stay covered or concealed by camera angles.
The story engages all types of Americans around this kid's ambivalent choices, a socially liberal me-generation mom, a conservative Christian Arab Dad, right-wing white Christian neighbors, liberal social activist neighbors, a middle class black friend, and a Latina mom- figure who mistakes her of one of her own. The acting is great. As one would expect, there's lots of room for humor. Once over the cringing,if you did get over it, it was an engaging and thought-provoking movie.