Old Joy (2006)

Two old pals reunite for a camping trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains.

Director:

Kelly Reichardt

Writers:

Jonathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt

Stars:

Daniel London, Will Oldham, Tanya Smith

5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Daniel London	...	Mark
Will Oldham	...	Kurt
Tanya Smith	...	Tanya
Robin Rosenberg	...	Waitress
Keri Moran	...	Lawnmower
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Autumn Campbell	...	Diner Patron
Steve Doughton	...	Diner Patron
Lucy	...	Herself
Matt McCormick	...	Weed Salesman
P.C. Peri
Darren Prolsen	...	Homeless Man
Jillian Wieseneck	...	Diner Patron

Storyline

Two old pals reunite for a camping trip in Oregon's Cascade Mountains.

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Plot Keywords:

sexual ambiguity | oregon | title directed by female | male frontal nudity | cell phone | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Epicentre Films [France] Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 January 2007 (UK)

Also Known As:

Antiga Alegria

Filming Locations:

Oregon, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,310, 27 August 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$255,352, 6 May 2007

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film Science,Van Hoy/Knudsen Productions,Washington Square Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

76 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The dog's real name is Lucy. She also played the dog Lucy in Wendy and Lucy (2008) - a film also directed by Kelly Reichardt from a story written by Jon Raymond.

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Goofs

When Mark and Kurt stop to get gas, Mark pumps his own gas. In Oregon, however, you are not allowed to pump your own gas.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Kurt: [on answering machine] Hey, it's Kurt. I'm calling you, I'm in town, and I'm just hoping you're around. I don't know if you're there or what. Pick it up, man. You will not regret it.
Mark: Hey, Kurt... So you're here?... Where you staying?... Yeah, thanks, the rumors are true... Nah, we didn't what to know... Oh yeah, whatcha got, lay it on me... Sure, I can be in to that... I could use some time in the woods, absolutely...

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Crazy Credits

A disclaimer says that the Bagby Hot Springs does not allow nudity or the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

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Connections

References Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

User Reviews

Relax, It's Only a Movie

When was the last time you relaxed at a movie? That's not the same as saying you relaxed WITH a movie, but that the movie itself relaxed you. A simple and subtle difference in tune with this simple and subtle film where the small touches and gentle silences speak more than any plotting or dialog.

OLD JOY is a true anomaly in today's market. During the heyday of the Studio era, it wasn't unusual to see films that were as short as OLD JOY's 76 minutes, in fact, they were often shorter. Today, only a few animated films and truncated/butchered films are ever this short.

In a way, all of the effusive praise the film has gotten can be counter-productive in that expectations are elevated, and audiences may expect something more heavily plotted or profound. Based on a short story, this is a sort of short feature. In literature, the short form has its own limitations and virtues that they don't necessarily share with novels. Film is more tangible, and OLD JOY can be experienced as a slice of life - a moment in time (here for a couple of friends). We are simply asked to observe and (hopefully) reflect on the road trip we witness.

The length of the film is only the most obvious and measurable way in which OLD JOY separates it from the stream of American film, but, it is the natural grace and will to not strain for effect that truly marks it as different. Just sit back and relax.

I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if you could somehow "force" an audience who think they are about to see JACKASS or the latest Slasher film to watch OLD JOY instead (hopefully, not having to resort to CLOCKWORK ORANGE type tactics!).