The Mudge Boy (2003)

The film follows the story of Duncan, a fourteen-year-old misfit farm boy trying to fill the void and alleviate the numbness left by his mother's passing. Unable to let her go quite yet, ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Burke

Writer:

Michael Burke

Stars:

Emile Hirsch, Richard Jenkins, Tom Guiry

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Emile Hirsch	...	Duncan Mudge
Tom Guiry	...	Perry Foley (as Thomas Guiry)
Richard Jenkins	...	Edgar Mudge
Pablo Schreiber	...	Brent
Zachary Knighton	...	Travis
Ryan Donowho	...	Scotty
Meredith Handerhan	...	Tonya
Beckie King	...	April
Sandra Gartner	...	Lydia Mudge
Tara O'Reilly	...	Emily Foley
Barbara Lloyd	...	Irene Blodgett
Sam Lloyd	...	Ray Blodgett
Hannah Franzoni	...	Tracey Foley
George Woodard	...	Merrit Foley
Munson Hicks	...	Minister

Storyline

The film follows the story of Duncan, a fourteen-year-old misfit farm boy trying to fill the void and alleviate the numbness left by his mother's passing. Unable to let her go quite yet, Duncan mimics his dead mother. He talks in her voice at the dinner table and wears her fur coat to bed. Edgar, Duncan's distant sixty-year-old father, doesn't understand the strange manifestations of his son's mourning. Why can't Duncan grieve like a normal person? Macho mate Perry Foley, who has it physically even harder on his dad's farm, usually comforts Duncan and defends his 'wimpiness' to their cocky ruffian mates Travis, Scotty and Brent. But although clearly attracted to gentle Duncan himself, the socially unacceptable suggestion of 'sissy' homosexuality makes Perry over-react and turn on his friend.

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Plot Keywords:

gay kiss | father son relationship | farm | fur coat | death | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content including graphic dialogue, a rape, and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Burke developed the screenplay for the film at a Sundance Labs in 2000. Burke says of inspiration for the film: "Growing up in rural Vermont, I wanted to tell a story about a kid too sensitive for the harsh environment in which he was raised."

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Quotes

[after she refuses to sleep with him]
Perry Foley: You fucking bitch.
April: Fuck you.
[sees Duncan watching them]
April: Pervert.

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Connections

References The Magilla Gorilla Show (1964)

User Reviews

Simple But Brilliant

The Mudge Boy represents some of the finest cinema to come out of Sundance in 2003. The story moves at a leisurely pace but excels in character development and dialogue. Burke revels in his setting- a rural, emotional wasteland painted with eerily quiet, majestic landscapes which idly conflict with the title character's introversion and despair. Emile Hirsch affects a delicately nuanced, charismatic performance as the title character, struggling with the death of his beloved mother. Richard Jenkins demands every speck of attention possible while he's on screen; it's a pure delight to watch this fine actor work. I usually don't pick out smaller performances, but Zachary Knighton as the chief bully's "sidekick," Travis, is superbly threatening and commands the screen, as well. His performance is staggeringly three-dimensional and defies every cliche of "teenage bully" portrayals ever committed to celluloid. There's a big future for this guy. Overall, this film deserves to be seen by anyone who appreciates uncliched, moving drama filled with wonderful performances.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anyja fia

Filming Locations:

Rutland, Vermont, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$800,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,102, 9 May 2004

Gross USA:

$62,852

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$62,852

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Cold Press Productions, Showtime Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color