Copperhead (2013)

An Upstate New York family is torn apart during the American Civil War.

Director:

Ron Maxwell (as Ronald F. Maxwell)

Writers:

Harold Frederic (novel), Bill Kauffman (screenplay)

Stars:

François Arnaud, Lucy Boynton, Casey Thomas Brown

3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
François Arnaud	...	Warner Pitts
Lucy Boynton	...	Esther Hagadorn
Casey Thomas Brown	...	Jeff Beech (as Casey Brown)
Billy Campbell	...	Abner Beech
Mary Fay Coady	...	Janey Wilcox
Josh Cruddas	...	Jimmy
Ryan Doucette	...	Byron Truax
Brian Downey	...	Preacher Taggart
Ryan Drost	...	Dancer
Rod Ernest	...	Driver
Peter Fonda	...	Avery
Scott Horton	...	Poll Fighter#2
Brian Jamieson	...	Roselle Upman
Walter Learning	...	Inspector Two
Stephen LeBail	...	Farmhand

Storyline

An upstate New York families' clash over their views of the Civil War and the views of the religious towns people comes to a head when Jeff "Tom" Beech volunteers for the Army and word gets back that he is missing. Upon word of his troubles the son of a staunch abolitionist and enemy of the Beech family sets out to find his friend! What happens next will bring a divided community together again.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for an unsettling sequence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 June 2013 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Kings Landing Historical Settlement, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$55,593, 30 June 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$171,740, 11 August 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

Swordspoint Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jason Patric was originally cast as Abner Beech but was dismissed after several weeks of filming by director Ron Maxwell for "failing to take direction". He was replaced by Billy Campbell and the scenes he recorded re-shot.

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Quotes

Abner Beech: Blessed are the peacemakers. Is that still in the Bible?

User Reviews

Copperhead is an important historical film with unforgettable performances that focuses on the relationships that can get ripped apart by war.

Copperhead is visually stunning, and unlike any other Civil War movie that has ever been made before. The scenery, sets, and costumes present a peaceful environment that stands in stark contrast to almost all other war movies.

Director and Producer Ron Maxwell has solidified himself as one of the leading cinematic visionaries of the American Civil War with his previous works of Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. With Copperhead, Maxwell looks at why good, honorable, ethical men chose not to go to war. He brings the audience not to the battlefield, but to the homefront, and looks closely at the relationships that can get ripped apart by war. Maxwell's fresh angle on the Civil War era highlights how the war affected those who remained at home when their sons, friends and lovers left to join the army.

Even if you are not a big war buff, you will enjoy this film. It puts the spotlight on many issues, not just about war, but about life. It has an interesting story, fantastic dialogue, topnotch performances and is visually exquisite. The film serves as a valuable history lesson on life in that era, and portrays the historical events from a viewpoint that is often ignored. It is a very thought provoking piece of filmmaking and should be considered an instant classic.

Read my full review at Breakaway Daily (www.breakawaydaily.com). There you will also find exclusive coverage of the Copperhead premieres and much more!