DAVID GORDON GREEN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB.5

USA, 2003.  Jasmine Productions Inc., Jean Doumanian Productions, Muskat Filmed Properties.  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. 

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 is charged by 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.