May 31, 2013 12:00 pm US/Pacific
Boxing Day a film by Bernard Rose.
An LAFF International Showcase
Beverly Hills, CA -
Bernard Rose's Boxing Day is based on Leo Tolstoy's "Master and Man." Intelligently adapted, Rose has brilliantly brought
all that is essentially Tolstoy - social commentary and all - to this film.
We are first introduced to Basil (played by Danny Huston), an inept business man who, in the hopes of setting things right,
leaves home after Christmas Day in order to secure the deal of a lifetime: flipping houses using monies from a church roofing fund managed by a little old lady.
Next, we meet Nick (whose convincing portrayal by Matthew Jacobs is both touching and realistic), a down-and-out alcoholic whose marriage is over. His ex even refuses his request to give their children his Christmas presents to them. Clearly, Basil and Nick would
never dwell in the same circles.
Except that, Nick is a chauffer and Basil is in need of his services.
Diligently and methodically, Rose draws out the opposing life views of these two. Basil tires of Nick's incompetency. For someone making a living at being a chauffer, Nick hasn't a clue when it comes
to driving about the Colorado terrain. Nick seems incapable of keeping his musings and beliefs to himself. And, Basil would prefer nothing better than if Nick would simply become mute.
Much to Basil's chagrin, he finds that he must spend more time with Nick than expected. And as Master and Man become more familiar with each other's ways and thoughts, the film subtly rages to a bitter end.
Many know Bernard Rose's work from Candyman and Immortal Beloved. His style has always been considered avante-garde and with Boxing Day, he has once again proven why.
Rose knows how to get what he needs - and wants - from his actors. He draws the essence of the characters through their performances. Additionally, Rose refuses to be tied down to the traditional ways-and-means of doing movies. He believes in the
power of digital film making and uses it to its fullest effect in this newest Tolstoy adaptation of his.
It is this same bold independence that seems to move Rose to collaborate again with the inimitable Danny Huston. Boxing Day is the third time that both
Rose and Huston have come together to modernize Tolstoy. First, there was Ivansxtc. and then came The Kreutzer Sonata. Huston's acting is both natural and flowing. He is adept at capturing the soul and spirit of his
character while making the person of Basil both displeasurable and yet tolerable.
Taking caution to not give anything away, Huston's portrayal of Basil gives one pause: Is Master the only one capable of effecting purposeful change?
Film: Boxing Day
Produced by: Luc Roeg, Naomi Despres
Executive Produced by: Michael Robinson, Andrew Orr, Norman Merry, Michael Rose, Lisa Henson
Directed by: Bernard Rose
Written by: Bernard Rose, based on Leo Tolstoy's novella, "Master and Man"
Starring: Danny Huston, Matthew Jacobs, Edie Dakota, Lisa Enos, Jo Farkas, Julie Marcus, David Pressler, Lyne Reese, Morgan Walsh
Total Running Time: 93 minutes
Rating: NYR
PR: InclusivePR
Gus Summers is the Host and Broadcast Producer for The "IN Show, an entertaining broadcast that covers all things exciting and enlightening.
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