Tape Movie Review 2001

Director Linklater makes digital technology an asset in this intriguing, claustrophobic character study based on a play by Stephen Belber. Johnny (Leonard) pays a visit to high school chum Vince (Hawke), who's working as a low-level drug dealer. Their casual conversation becomes increasingly hostile as Vince begins making accusations involving Johnny and his first love, Amy (Thurman), who soon pays a visit herself. Despite a tiny cast and only one location, story stays stimulating throughout, as the script deftly shifts viewer allegiance between characters and explores interesting themes of memory, subjectivity and ownership of one's past. Linklater's use of high-definition video gives the film a vitality and spontaneous feel that suits the material.

Distribution

CinemaNow, 4553 Glencoe Ave., Ste. 200, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, URL: http://www.cinemanow.com, Remarks: Formerly known as Lions Gate Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 86 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Buddies, Romantic Triangles, Adapted from a Play, No-Exit Motel, Director/Star Teams: Linklater & Hawke

Screenplay

Stephen Belber

Cast

Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman

Cinematography

Maryse Alberti

Director

Richard Linklater

Other

Sandra Adair, Catherine Thomas, Stephen Beatrice

Producer

Anne Walker-McBay, Gary Winick, Alexis Alexanian, Detour Filmproduction, InDigEnt, Lions Gate Films