This Is Martin Bonner (2013)

Martin Bonner has just moved to Nevada from the East Coast, leaving behind his two adult children and a life he spent more than two decades building.

Director:

Chad Hartigan

Writers:

Tara Everhart (additional dialogue written by), Chad Hartigan

Stars:

Paul Eenhoorn, Demetrius Grosse, Tom Plunkett

8 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Eenhoorn	...	Martin Bonner
Demetrius Grosse	...	Locy
Tom Plunkett	...	Supervisor
Christy Lighthouse	...	Optometrist
Jef Derderian	...	Optometrist Assistant
Kristin Slaysman	...	April
Andrew Scott Duncan	...	Ryan
Jeff Pilliod	...	Auctioneer
Connie Pilliod	...	Floor Auctioneer
Richmond Arquette	...	Travis Holloway
Melanie Payne	...	Breakfast Waitress
Robert Longstreet	...	Steve Helms
Tom Baughman	...	Presbyterian Pastor (as Rev. Tom Baughman)
Jan Haley	...	Angela Helms
Moira Price	...	Cheryl

Storyline

Martin Bonner has just moved to Nevada from the East Coast, leaving behind his two adult children and a life he spent more than two decades building. He's there working a new job as the volunteer coordinator for a non-profit organization that helps prisoners make the transition from incarceration to freedom. It's Martin's first job in two years and he's recently declared bankruptcy. At the same time, Travis Holloway, a prisoner in the program, is being released after serving twelve years. Sent back into the world with nothing, Travis also finds life in Reno difficult to adjust to, despite the help from his program sponsor, Steve Helms. The stories of Martin and Travis slowly converge, as the two men meet and find that they have much in common, not the least of which is an unspoken need for encouragement and support. Their unlikely friendship blossoms but is put to the test when Travis betrays Martin's trust in order to reunite with his estranged daughter.

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Plot Keywords:

watching tv | nevada | prisoner | estranged daughter | unlikely friendship | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and brief sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2013 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Carson City, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$42,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$13,888, 26 September 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

600 West Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

6-Track Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards (2014)

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Soundtracks

Thoughts for a Newly Old Lover
Written and Performed by Roman Candle
Courtesy of Bill and Mary Music

User Reviews

Decent film

I came into this film expecting a character driven story without much action and that is exactly what I got. Overall, I liked the film. Each character's back story helped guide the audience into understanding what was currently going on. The characters are so well explained that I was able to relate to them and empathize with them. Travis is such a heartbreaking character that you almost feel relieved Martin comes along into his life. I can't leave out that beautiful 360 degree pan the camera takes in the hotel parking lot. Really effective method to help put yourself into the character's position of confusion and being at a crossroads, not knowing where to go or how to proceed. The only thing that left me a little unsatisfied with the story was that it kind of felt the relationship between Martin and Travis was simply one way. I don't feel Travis' character gave anything to Martin's character. That was the only thing I had against the film. Paul Eenhoorn and Richmond Arquette gave exquisite performances. Pretty decent film and can't wait to see how this director continues to develop as he continues to make movies.