The Independent

Release Date: November 30, 2001
Limited release

The Independent

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Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at the 2001 Slamdunk Film Festival, The Independent tells the story of Morty Fineman (Jerry Stiller), an eccentric producer/director or B-movies. When it appears his production company will be foreclosed, he seeks the assistance of his tanning bed-obsessed daughter, played by Janeane Garofalo (who won the Best Actress award at the Slamdunk Fest).

The film is part “mockumentary” and part narrative. It was co-written and directed by Stephen Kessler (Vegas Vacation) and produced on a budget so tight that extras were compensated for their work with movie passes rather than cash.

The Independent does have some very creative casting, including Julie Strain, the real-life “Queen of the B-movies”, and former porn star Ginger Lynn Allen as the mayor of the city where the featured High Desert Film Festival takes place. Cameos by Ben Stiller, Andy Dick, Peter Bogdanovich, Roger Corman, Ted Demme and Ron Howard also add some punch.

After a premiere way back in February 8, 2000 at the Aspen Comedy Festival, The Independent has been making the rounds at several other film festivals and has been the beneficiary of numerous glowing reviews. It now opens in New York and L.A. on November 30th with the possibility for further expansion in the weeks to follow; however, the film has very little buzz and is unlikely to be more than a cult video favorite. (Kim Hollis/BOP)




Vital statistics for The Independent
Main Cast Jerry Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Max Perlich
Supporting Cast Ted Demme, Roger Corman, Ron Howard, Karen Black, Peter Bogdanovich, Fred Williamson, Nick Cassavetes
Director Stephen Kessler
Screenwriter Stephen Kessler, Mike Wilkins
Official Site http://www.finemanfilms.com/
Rating R
Running Time 95 minutes
Screen Count 1
Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture



Comparison films for The Independent
Title
Date
Opening
Adjusted Opening
Screens
PSA
Adj PSA
Total BO
Adjusted Total
Mult
Best in Show 10/20/002.16 2.41 497 4346.00 4676.6 18.52 20.71 6.44


     


 
 

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