Lisa Bowman is bored housewife Cozy in River of Grass.
Lisa Bowman is bored housewife Cozy in River of Grass.
Whanganui Film Society's Monday screening is River of Grass - the newly restored version of the 1994 debut film of American indie director Kelly Reichardt (Meek's Cutoff, Old Joy, Wendy & Lucy).
The restoration had its premiere at The Sundance Film Festival last year and is now doing the roundsof festivals and film societies.
"Reichardt's debut feature is a quick-witted film whose appeal is as much a matter of tone and style as story," wrote Sundance reviewer Geoffrey Gilmore.
"When 30-year-old Cozy comes to the realisation that her life isn't all it might be, her lackadaisical husband, three kids, and house on a soggy acre in Broward County, Florida, leave something to be desired, so she sneaks out one night to a local bar and meets her destiny, an aimless and enigmatic young drifter named Lee.
"While engaging in a little late-night pool-hopping, the pair encounter an annoyed home owner.
Unfortunately for all concerned, Lee has chosen this moment to show Cozy his pistol.
"The gun goes off and the couple flee.
"So begins a low-key but captivating escapade that provokes amusement and incredulity as this bungling Bonnie and Clyde live the life of outlaws who can't seem to get it right."
"Shot on a minuscule budget, with a stark atmosphere, this is original, controlled filmmaking by creative independents who clearly understand the B-movie legacy they're tapping into."
■ River of Grass screens at the Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum at 7pm on Monday April 10.
