The Tenants (2005)

In an abandoned tenement, an African-American militant writer and a Jewish novelist develop a friendship while struggling to complete their novels, but inner tension rises between the two.

Director:

Danny Green

Writers:

David Diamond, Danny Green (adaptation)

Stars:

Dylan McDermott, Snoop Dogg, Rose Byrne

Cast

Credited cast:
Dylan McDermott	...	Harry Lesser
Snoop Dogg	...	Willie Spearmint
Rose Byrne	...	Irene Bell
Seymour Cassel	...	Levenspiel
Niki J. Crawford	...	Mary Kettlesmith
Aldis Hodge	...	Sam Clemence
Gene Gilbert	...	Mr. Ross
Linda Lawson	...	Anna
Stephen Jared	...	Young Cop
Laz Alonso	...	Jacob 32
Christopher May	...	Stage Actor
Karimah Westbrook	...	Female Partygoer
Lamont Bentley	...	Male Partygoer
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Carla Glover	...	Party Goer
Bryant Pearson	...	Featured Male Partygoer

Storyline

On the top floor of an abandoned tenement, Harry Lesser struggles to complete the novel he has been writing for almost ten years. Then Willie Spearmint, black militant and aspiring writer, moves into another part of the building to work on his own book.

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Plot Keywords:

ex convict | downward spiral | militant | writer | friendship | 

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Taglines:

Too close for comfort.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Pharoah: Can't Take it to the Grave
Written by Coati Mundi (as Coati Mundi Hernandez)
Performed by Manicphonic Mobsters
Published by Rainbowphonic Music (BMI)
Courtesy of Coati Mundi Productions

User Reviews

I smile at Snoop but frown at the story

As a man who enjoys the raw power and honesty of a Snoop Dogg performance, this movie was perfect for me. My friends and I rented the movie solely because Snoop Dogg was on the cover, and Snoop did not disappoint. The movie is filled with Snoop intensive scenes where he is afforded the opportunity to display his dominant personality.

Despite Snoop Dogg's immaculate performance, other actors within the movie, as well as the story itself contained some unattractive qualities. Regarding the lead actor, Dylan McDermott's portrayal of Harry Lesser was too dramatic and unrealistic. I cannot find that kind of depression and seriousness in my real life experiences. The depressive nature of his character may in fact be the fault of the author and not the actor. At many times, the characters of The Tenants would act irrationally and contrary to real life behavior.

Overall, the story and the actions taken by the characters were not as believable as I would have liked them to be. Nevertheless, I have yet to see a bad Snoop Dogg performance in any of his films. I stand by my initial instincts to rent the movie because he was on the cover.

Details

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die letzten Mieter

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,010, 5 February 2006

Gross USA:

$2,010

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Equity Pictures Medienfonds GmbH & Co. KG II, Millennium Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1