All The Real Girls

BBB.5

(out of 5)

A girl recently returned from school (Zooey Deschanel) begins a shy affair with her brother’s womanizing best friend (Paul Schneider), both of them in fear of the consequences if her protective sibling were ever to find out. As their relationship progresses, he realizes that he really is in love this time, not just out for a conquest, but she is young and her feelings change as her life decisions develop. Now he is left with his emotions flailing in the wind, unable to control his jealousy or his feelings of despair. This drama strongly charged from the character’s expressions right down to the golden, sun-drenched photography. Deschanel is terrific in the lead, but the film belongs to the immensely charismatic Schneider, who truly astonishes. It’s rare to see movies where men express themselves so openly, but the screenplay (co-written by director David Gordon Green and Schneider) delivers on this and more. Also features the unforgettable Patricia Clarkson in a supporting role.

Jasmine Productions Inc., Jean Doumanian Productions, Muskat Filmed Properties

USA, 2003

Directed by David Gordon Green

Story by David Gordon Green, Paul Schneider, Screenplay by David Gordon Green

Cinematography by Tim Orr

Produced by Jean Doumanian, Lisa Muskat

Music by Michael Linnen, David Wingo

Production Design by Richard A. Wright

Costume Design by Erin Aldridge Orr

Film Editing by Zene Baker, Steven Gonzales

Film Festivals:  Sundance 2003

Cast Tags:  Amanda Chaney, Bartow Church, Benjamin Mouton, Bob Hardison, Danny McBride, Eddie Rouse, Heather McComb, James Marshall Case, John Kirkland, Karey Williams, Maribeth Ayers, Matt Chapman, Maurice Compte, Maya Ling Pruitt, Patricia Clarkson, Paul Schneider, Rutledge, Shea Whigham, Summer Shelton, Zooey Deschanel

Independent Spirit Award Nomination
Best Female Lead (Zooey Deschanel)

Sundance Film Festival Awards
Special Jury Prize, Dramatic (David Gordon Green)
Special Jury Prize, Dramatic (Patricia Clarkson)