Jolene (2008)

A teenage orphan spends ten years traveling cross-country experiencing life, love and heartbreak. Based on E.L. Doctorow's story, "Jolene: A Life."

Director:

Dan Ireland

Writers:

Dennis Yares (screenplay), E.L. Doctorow (story),

Stars:

Jessica Chastain, Frances Fisher, Rupert Friend

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jessica Chastain	...	Jolene
Frances Fisher	...	Cindy
Rupert Friend	...	Coco Leger
Dermot Mulroney	...	Uncle Phil
Zeb Newman	...	Mickey
Chazz Palminteri	...	Sal Fontaine
Denise Richards	...	Marin
Theresa Russell	...	Aunt Kay
Michael Vartan	...	Brad
Shannon Whirry	...	Teacher
Drea Pruseau	...	Nurse
Mickey Cottrell	...	Dr. Bloomberg
Mary Jane Johnson	...	Mrs. Ames
Bri Acsani	...	Suicide Girl
Julie Sledge	...	Girl in Hospital

Storyline

A teenage orphan spends ten years traveling cross-country experiencing life, love and heartbreak. Based on E.L. Doctorow's story, "Jolene: A Life."

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Plot Keywords:

orphan | ransacking | tattoo artist | bisexual | tattoo parlor | 

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Taglines:

A life between the exit signs

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language, some violence and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 June 2008 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Sky Harbor Airport - 3400 E. Sky Harbor Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Next Turn Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Jolene is narrating about the trial of Uncle Phil she says that she needed to prove that she was 16 and therefore he was guilty of "statutory rape"; This part of the film takes place in South Carolina where the age of consent is 16 therefore it would not be statutory rape, he could be found guilty of adultery and that would have been grounds for divorce from his wife though.

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Crazy Credits

In on-screen credits, Don Mosley is listed twice as Chief Lighting Technician.

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Soundtracks

"Stud"
Written by Martin Buchanan and Carey Moore

User Reviews

"Jolene" is an unforgettable journey

"Jolene" is quite a film. It's about the journey of life for Jolene (Jessica Chastain), who is quite a character. A girl who was left to be raised by the authorities, she is itching to experience more of the world and be happy—the type of girl who could get hurt. But Jolene has an indescribable quality that makes people fall in love with her, lust after her, commit crimes for her and then go crazy, and generally in that order. Likelihood is they'll get hurt instead of Jolene.

The film strikes a remarkable balance between the quirky, comedic charms of the characters and the somber and serious situations that Jolene gets herself into. Although, as a caveat, I do recognize the critics' complaints that that balance can be quite jarring. The journey the film takes us on with this unforgettable character is a fascinating, funny and joyful one, but also at times, harrowing. Crimes of passion, crimes in the name of God, and crimes for money — all for Jolene — are all committed. No body is left unturned.

The path the film took to get to us is almost as tumultuous as that of its heroine. Tumbling through the small film festival circuit in 2008 and 2009, it didn't get a distribution deal until 2010. And then it only opened in a handful of screens. But now everybody can finally see this extraordinary film and extraordinary actress. Jessica Chastain is starring in Terrence Malick's highly-anticipated, masterpiece-to-be "The Tree of Life". It's time to meet this star-in-the-making in "Jolene".

"Jolene" captured my heart, and then attempted to stomp all over it, but the film leaves its mark, as does the character Jolene, as does Chastain. I'm still not exactly sure how to take it, but it was an amazing experience.