The Canyons (2013)

When Christian, an LA trust-fund kid with casual ties to Hollywood, learns of a secret affair between Tara and the lead of his film project, Ryan, he spirals out of control, and his cruel mind games escalate into an act of bloody violence.

Director:

Paul Schrader

Writer:

Bret Easton Ellis

Stars:

Lindsay Lohan, James Deen, Nolan Gerard Funk

5 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lindsay Lohan	...	Tara
James Deen	...	Christian
Nolan Gerard Funk	...	Ryan (as Nolan Funk)
Amanda Brooks	...	Gina
Tenille Houston	...	Cynthia
Gus Van Sant	...	Dr. Campbell
Jarod Einsohn	...	Hoodie Guy
Danny Wylde	...	Reed (as Chris Zeischegg)
Victor of Aquitaine	...	Randall
Jim Boeven	...	Jon
Philip Pavel	...	Erik (as Phil Pavel)
Lily LaBeau	...	Young Hot Girl (as Lily Labeau)
Thomas Trussell	...	Young Hot Guy
Alex Ashbaugh	...	David
Chris Schellenger	...	Jaden

Storyline

Christian uses his family money to produce movies by day. He is about to start the production of a low-budget slasher flick in New Mexico starring Ryan, the handsome boyfriend of his assistant, the pretty Gina. But, unbeknownst to him, Tara was involved with Ryan a few years ago. Christian, meanwhile, is having a fling on the side with pretty Cynthia, a yoga instructor who used to take acting classes with Ryan.

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Plot Keywords:

erotic thriller | psychopath | group sex | sex scene | foursome | 

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Taglines:

It's not the hills.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content including graphic nudity, language throughout, a bloody crime scene and brief drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sean Paul Lockhart was considered for the role of Ryan.

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Goofs

When Tara and Christian are by the pool, Tara's sunglasses are on her face whenever the camera faces her. But her sunglasses are on her head when the camera is behind her.

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Quotes

Jon: I'm going to Palm Springs this weekend and uh, well, why don't you come?
Ryan: Aren't you going with Billy?
Jon: No.
Ryan: You mean, me and Gina?
Jon: No. Just... huh... me and you.
Ryan: Well... Sure. Why not? But... why wait?
Jon: Exactly.
Ryan: Let's do it now.
Jon: Yeah?
Ryan: Yeah. Suck me off, right now. Right here. Now. In the office.
[...]

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Alternate Versions

Two versions of the film are available: a rated and "unrated director's cut". The unrated version features about a minute of additional footage edited from the rated version. A sex scene at the beginning of the film, which featured the characters of Tara, Christian, and Reid, had to have cuts made to meet the content standards of iTunes. Thus the shots of Reid indulging in masturbation had to go, since they were unsimulated, unlike the other sexual content shown in the film.

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Connections

References Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

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Soundtracks

Coming Down
Written By Dee Dee
Performed By Dum Dum Girls
Courtesy Of Sub Pop Records

User Reviews

Could I have my two hours back, please?

I've been waiting to see this film for some time, and was finally just able to see it on VOD. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment, especially considering Paul Schrader directed it. The combination of he and Bret Easton Ellis is not a good one. The film is yet another saga of bored Hollywood individuals looking for meaning in life - pretty much the common theme of BEE's novels - and indulging in sex, mind games and jealousy while attempting to hold on to their flailing, angst-filled existences. Mr. Schrader drives the point home further by occasionally interspersing shots of dilapidated, closed movie theaters to show us how the "old Hollywood" has decayed. "The Canyons" attempts very hard to shock, but unfortunately, we've seen it all before, as Hollywood has been making these caricatures of itself since the 70's and 80's. Lindsay Lohan is surprisingly effective in her role most of the time, and carries a lot of the film. James Deen, who I was not familiar with as I'm not that into porn, also does a believable job (and illustrates WHY he's had a career in porn during his full frontal shot). There's also a refreshing twist during a four-way sex scene. But I was left wondering at the end of the film - and it ends very awkwardly - what was the point, and how could anyone invest much empathy in these characters? I understand "The Canyons" opens today in Los Angeles and New York, as well as being simultaneously offered on television and Itunes via pay-per-view. I would be very surprised if this gets any further than those two major cities; it's just not engrossing or original enough to draw in much of an audience.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Canyons

Filming Locations:

Venice, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,351, 4 August 2013

Gross USA:

$56,825

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$270,185

Company Credits

Production Co:

Prettybird, Post Empire Films, Sodium Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1