DAVID GORDON GREEN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB. 

USA, 2000.  Free Country U.S.A., Youandwhatarmy Filmed Challenges, Blue Moon Filmed Productions, Down Home Entertainment, Muskat Filmed Properties.  Screenplay by David Gordon Green.  Cinematography by Tim Orr.  Produced by David Gordon Green, Sacha W. Mueller, Lisa Muskat.  Music by Michael Linnen, David Wingo.  Production Design by Richard A. Wright.  Costume Design by Michael Tully.  Film Editing by Zene Baker, Steven Gonzales. Independent Spirit Awards 2000.  New York Film Critics Awards 2000.  Toronto International Film Festival 2000.  

Atmospheric, taut drama about young children growing up in the modern south.  Tim Orr’s honey-dipped cinematography brings the story, minimal as it is, to vibrant life, aided by terrific performances and a strong sense of character. The protagonist is a young man nicknamed George Washington by his best friend for his intelligence and ambition. He and his group of friends have their lives thrown into disarray when an accident takes the life of one of their group and they try to keep the body from being discovered. The film is slowly paced and methodical, but rich in mood and tension.