Blaze (2018)

A reimagining of the life and times of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas Outlaw Music movement.

Director:

Ethan Hawke

Writers:

Ethan Hawke, Sybil Rosen

Stars:

Ben Dickey, Alia Shawkat, Charlie Sexton

4 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Dickey	...	Blaze Foley
Alia Shawkat	...	Sybil
Charlie Sexton	...	Townes Van Zandt
Josh Hamilton	...	Zee
Kris Kristofferson	...	Edwin Fuller
Richard Linklater	...	Oilman
Sam Rockwell	...	Oilman
Steve Zahn	...	Oilman
Gurf Morlix	...	Himself
Ethan Hawke	...	Radio DJ
Alynda Segarra	...	Marsha (as Alynda Lee Segarra)
Sybil Rosen	...	Mrs. Rosen
Nancy Roppolo	...	Outhouse Waitress 1
David Hinson	...	Outhouse Cook
Aaron Augustus	...	Bus Boy

Storyline

Inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The film weaves together three different periods of time, braiding re-imagined versions of Blaze's past, present and future. The different strands explore his love affair with Sybil Rosen; his last, dark night on earth; and the impact of his songs and his death had on his fans, friends, and foes. The braided storyline terminates in a bittersweet ending that acknowledges Blaze's profound highs and lows, as well as the impressions he made on the people who shared his journey.

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Plot Keywords:

country music | musician | songwriter | one word title | character name as title | 

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Taglines:

Based on a True Texas Love Story

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 August 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Блэйз

Box Office

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$44,250, 19 August 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$69,114, 29 November 2018

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ansgar Media, Cinetic Media, Under the Influence Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

129 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ethan Hawke decided to make a biopic of Blaze Foley, a musician who was little known in his lifetime, because he found it important to make a point that it is not only the lives of celebrities that are worth showing on the screen.

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Goofs

During a montage scene when Blaze is writing postcards from the road, Sybil is shown counting a handful of redesigned $20 bills. Foley was killed in 1989, but the redesigned $20 was not available to the public until 1998.

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Connections

Featured in Conan: Ethan Hawke/Daniel Sloss/Ninja Sex Party (2018)

User Reviews

Thanks for the introduction

Blaze was not another story about a washed up country singer who just couldn't help himself, but more like a guy who very humanly did the best he could in a most authentic way. The supporting cast of characters were amazing and this story was about love, destiny, pain and acceptance. Ben wrapped the whole thing up with a bow when delivering the monologue at the end, where Blaze allowed himself just a second to acknowledge his father's effect and his own regrets before putting on the armour and standing up for right. Being lucky enough to attend a Q&A after makes me ready to see it again. Why is Alia Shawkat not listed in cast & crew?