Collaborator (2011)

A playwright whose marriage and career are in a free fall has an explosive run-in with his former neighbor, a right-wing ex-con.

Director:

Martin Donovan

Writer:

Martin Donovan

Stars:

Martin Donovan, David Morse, Olivia Williams

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mary B. Ward	...	Radio Host (voice) (as Mary Ward)
David Rasche	...	Radio Host (voice)
Martin Donovan	...	Robert Longfellow
Melissa Auf der Maur	...	Alice Longfellow
Katherine Helmond	...	Irene Longfellow
David Morse	...	Gus Williams
Eileen Ryan	...	Betty Williams
Julian Richings	...	Maurice LeFont
Olivia Williams	...	Emma Stiles
Mark-Cameron Fraser	...	SWAT Cop (as Mark C. Fraser)
Vivian Lanko	...	Janey Hewlit
Leslie Sykes	...	News Anchor
Phillip Palmer	...	News Anchor
Russell Yuen	...	David Piro (voice)
Jim Pirri	...	Officer Revel

Storyline

Robert Longfellow is a playwright whose latest play in New York City has just bombed while his marriage is in no better shape. Seeking an escape, he travels back to Los Angeles to visit his mother, meet a dear secret girlfriend and decide on new writing opportunities. However, everything changes when his brutish childhood neighbor, Gus, takes Robert hostage with the police surrounding the house. In this situation, the strained conversations inside drift to Robert's profession and the nature of creative writing. To placate Gus, Robert introduces him to improvisational dialogue and the pair engage in some dramatic exercises. However as they perform, the material becomes more personal as the trapped pair confront each other with hard truths that will leave neither of them unscathed.

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Plot Keywords:

ex convict | telephone call | neighbor | writing | playwright | 

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Taglines:

Can't we all just get along?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robert heads back to the family home in Reseda. Martin Donovan, who portrays Robert, was born in Reseda.

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Soundtracks

Requiem; Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Tragen
Performed by PJ Harvey
Composed by Johannes Brahms

User Reviews

An intricate, surprising gem

I was really taken with this film. It starts off about one theme, a professional failure, and then peels away unfolding like an emotional and psychological crap shoot. It builds in tension as it discards its facade. The dialog is on point, with the protagonist, a master of language, modifying his speech and tone to better fit those he converses with: his mother, wife, an elderly neighbor, a childhood friend. The dialog serves as its own character. I found myself stepping into the protagonist's shoes, reacting as I might to my past, taking a closer look whether I wanted to or not. Some nostalgic bells certainly rang for me, but that was the point. It is a film to watch slowly, to listen to without distraction. Perhaps it could have been tighter wound, crisper around the early edges, but then it's supposed to come at you from behind.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 July 2012 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Longfellow

Filming Locations:

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,696

Company Credits

Production Co:

DViant Films, This Is That Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1