Year:
2000
Studio:
Fine Line Features/Filmtown Entertainment
Movie:
3/5
DVD:
3/5
Movie
Director Walt Price (William H Macy) has come to the sleepy town of
Waterford, Vermont, along with his film crew in order to shoot a
big-budget romantic movie. Walt has to deal with a leading man who has
a problem with young girls (Alec Baldwin playing Bob Barrenger), a
leading lady who suddenly doesn't want to do nude scenes (Sarah Jessica
Parker playing Claire Wellesley), a writer more concerned with the
purity of his story than the realities of filmmaking (Philip Seymour
Hoffman playing Joseph Turner White), and a local town politician with
an axe to grind (Clark Gregg as Doug Mackenzie).
"State and Main" is a quirky comedy about the filmmaking industry,
specifically the filming behind the scenes of a medium budget movie.
It's a whirlwind madhouse that the director has to somehow handle.
Meanwhile there is the undercurrent of a romance between screenwriter
Joseph Turner White and local theatre troupe writer/producer Ann
(Rebecca Pidgeon). That and several other subplots that intertwine
throughout the movie.
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Cast
William H Macy is fabulous. Plays it serious and yet quite funny.
Rebecca Pidgeon also did a good job with the wonderful part of a small
town girl who is wise beyond her outward appearance. Everybody did a
good job and no part was really all that big in this ensemble movie.
DVD
The commentary features William H Macy, David Paymer, Sarah Jessica
Parker, Patti LuPone (who played the mayor's wife Sherry Bailey), and
Clark Gregg. For the most part it's a good commentary though it sounded
like most of it was recorded in pieces. It's better if everyone is
together because there is more discussion.
The theatrical trailer and cast and director credits are included.
Recommendations
It's a good film, at times quite funny. Good wordplay and great deadpan
delivery from the cast that includes David Paymer, Julie Stiles, and
Charles Durning. Sort of a low key film with lots going on but quite
engaging. Recommended for most people. |