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 | married too young | anal rape | las vegas nevada | marriage proposal | 

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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 shines at the Seattle Film Fest

Of all the films I saw at the 2008 Seattle International Film Fest, "Jolene" is the one that stayed with me. Jessica Chastain gives a multi layered, complex, superlative performance as the title character. A girl drifting through her life looking for love in all the wrong places. The film stays away from sentimental payoffs giving it a very distinctive tone. Are we suppose to sympathize with Jolene? Dan Ireland, the director, leaves that to us in another honest and wonderful tale of longing and hope. From Rene Zellwegger in "The Whole Wide World" to Joan Plowright in "Mrs Palfrey At The Claremont" Dan Ireland has shown a remarkable flair to bring out the best on his female characters and more. Frances Fisher gives an Academy Award worthy performance in a part so far away from anything I've ever seen her do that it took me a while to realize it was her. Michael Vartan, Dermot Mulroney, Chazz Palmintieri and in particular Rupert Friend give vivid, powerful performances. "Jolene" is unique in a year of sequels and TV adaptations. I can't wait to see it again. Congratulations Mr. Ireland and thank you for your passionated and coherent commitment to the independent soul.