Backlight (2010)

Several characters who are each at critical stages of their lives are strangely impelled towards an uncharted lake in the middle of the desert where they all have the opportunity to save each other.

Director:

Fernando Fragata

Writer:

Fernando Fragata

Stars:

Joaquim de Almeida, Michelle Mania, Skyler Day

3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joaquim de Almeida	...	Jay
Michelle Mania	...	Lucy's Mother
Skyler Day	...	Lucy
Scott Bailey	...	Matt
Joey Hagler	...	Daniel
Evelina Pereira	...	Helena
Donovan Scott	...	Old Farmer
Ana Cristina de Oliveira	...	Motel Receptionist
Jeff Swarthout	...	School Principal
Renee Ainsworth	...	Claire (voice)
James LaGrappe	...	Brad
Caitlin Carmichael	...	Jamie
Catherine Carmichael	...	Jamie's Mother
Ana Lopes	...	Waitress (as Ana Paula Lopes)
Nicole Marie Comer	...	Sandy

Storyline

Several characters who are each at critical stages of their lives are strangely impelled towards an uncharted lake in the middle of the desert where they all have the opportunity to save each other.

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Plot Keywords:

happiness | desert | suicide | gps | trauma | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [pt]

Country:

Portugal USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 July 2010 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

Little Wonders

Filming Locations:

Airplane Graveyard, Mojave, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Virtual Audiovisuais

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The "Old Farmer" is driving a 1958 Mercury M-100 pick-up truck.

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Goofs

The chess piece that they are calling a knight is actually the bishop.

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Quotes

Claire: [speaking on cell phone] What I mean is, that he jumped into the lake, drowned, and woke up trying to save Jennifer.
Matt: Isn't Jennifer dead at this point?

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Connections

References A Song of Lisbon (1933)

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Soundtracks

"Tela"
Written by Santos e Pecadores
Performed by Santos e Pecadores

User Reviews

Strange but wonderful!

Backlight is a strange but wonderful film. First it's a 100% Portuguese production but it was filmed 100% in the United States. How strange is that? Very! Production decisions apart, the film works pretty well. The script is brilliant, the acting is excellent and the cinematography is beautiful, which makes Backlight my film of the year, and probably the best film I've seen in quite a few years. The film looks at the adversities of life and gambles with it. The characters are all interlinked in a very random way, it's a little like 6 degrees of separation. The film is set mostly in the deserts of Nevada and Arizona and the director keeps the shots wide revealing the magnificent backdrops and always moves the camera wisely to bring the picture alive. The characters are deep and insightful, each has a serious problem to face up to and the subtle, naturalistic way their issues play out make for truly emotional cinema. This is not a film about heroes, it's a film about trying to make the right choices when your back is to the wall, and the doubts that go with this. Great uplifting movie, especially if you are and have been with depression. I think this film could be a great alternative to Prozac! : )