Pretty Bird, the directorial debut of Paul Schneider, is one of those films that's going to divide people. You'll either think it's brilliant or the biggest pile of crap ever created. It's incredibly quirky and has a bizarre sense of humor that can make you laugh your ass off or sit dumbfounded that anyone would ever finance a project this strange. Now... I'm not talking David Lynch bizarro strange, but it's definitely off the beaten path.
Inspired by a true story, the film begins with the arrival of a hotshot dreamer (Billy Crudup) bent on making a reality out of his vision for a personal rocket-powered flying machine. His best friend from way back when, who has an empty warehouse and a stockpile of money from his retail mattress business, quickly jumps on board as the two set off on putting a business plan together, getting investors and marketing their idea. They manage to enlist the help of an out of work aerospace engineer (Paul Giamatti), who quickly goes to work building the rocketpack.
Though things are going well with the invention, the relationship between the three men soon deteriorates as tempers flare, lies run wild, and trust vanishes. Bizarre twists follow and things ultimately go pretty far down hill.
The film, should it find a distributor, will certainly attract a cult following. It's the kind of film you have to see with other people to really appreciate. Several people in last night's audience were laughing so hard they were crying. The wit and comedy are definitely what make this film stand on it's own.
Paul's Q&A following the film was almost like watching stand-up comedy. He's a very funny, quirky guy and his touch is definitely evident in the film. The DVD release should absolutely contain interviews with the man, otherwise the audience really misses out on his process and approach to the film.
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