Trees Lounge (1996)
Steve Buscemi writes, directs and stars in this tragicomedy, inspired by the films of John Cassavetes and aspects of Buscemi’s own life. It was shot in a mere 24 days in and near Buscemi’s hometown, Valley Stream, New York. Many of the characters were developed by Buscemi with specific friends and family members in mind. His father and son make cameo appearances in the film and his brother plays Tommy Basilico’s brother, Raymond. Samuel Jackson, Chloe Sevigny, and Mimi Rogers also star in the film.
Buscemi describes the film as “a character film; it’s about working-class people, and how they deal or don’t deal with the lives they’ve created for themselves.” A meditation on wandering and loneliness, many of the characters end up back where they started, down on their luck. However, despite the fact that no one ever seems to get anywhere, there is an overall lighthearted humor and just enough hope to win the viewer over with a bittersweet charm.
The soundtrack to the film is an interesting combination of 50’s and 60’s style pop with an indie rock flair. The title track was composed by Hayden, brooding alternative singer-songwriter, and Buscemi himself. The two also co-direct the music video. The track includes the memorable line from the film, “Lets play a drinking game. If I win, I get to take you home and if you win, you go home with me.”
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Grading
- Story B+
- Acting A
- Visuals A-
- Originality/Innovation B+
- Enjoyability A-
- Overall A-
- DVD Extras NA
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