This is exactly what all this is for. The good shit.
I watched this movie because the other night I put on She-Devil and was surprised to find out it wasn’t half as terrible as it looked. More on that later. I was so confused I looked up the director to see if this was another trophy female director scenario like Just One of the Guys and found that not to be the case. Susan Seidelman has had a diverse and consistent career. She worked on Sex and the City and directed Desperately Seeking Susan among other things. After graduating from Tisch, her debut was this movie Smithereens.
Hmm … a lady made independent film that takes place in the early 80s NY punk scene with a wild female protagonist? I stopped reading. From the first 30 seconds this movie had my heart. It’s more Sayles than Fabulous Stains and I’m willing to bet that it will be a criterion in under five years.
Here are some tantalizing fun facts:
This was the first American independent film to be selected to compete for the Palm d’Or at Cannes. The Feelies did the score and it’s fantastic. It was written by the guy who wrote Philadelphia. The lead, Susan Berman was cast after being noticed in a theater lobby. She’d never acted before and she’s amazing. Richard Hell is her co-star.
It’s sad and honest, fun and really well made. Also, get real. Did you read the above paragraph? This fucking movie could not be any cooler. I don’t want to push it too hard but you’re a fool if you don’t watch it.
