Two families are brought together by the return of one family's son -- a reunion that conjures up old ghosts and issues that must be addressed.Two families are brought together by the return of one family's son -- a reunion that conjures up old ghosts and issues that must be addressed.Two families are brought together by the return of one family's son -- a reunion that conjures up old ghosts and issues that must be addressed.
- Awards
- 4 wins
- Young Beagle
- (as Andrew George)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAaron Standford is nearly 14 years older than Kristen Stewart, nearly twice Kristen's age at the time of shooting.
- GoofsWhen the hairdresser Stephanie is kissing Guy, the tattoo encircling her upper arm is faded out towards its ends, an unmistakable sign of a temporary tattoo.
- Quotes
Beagle: So what's wrong with you anyway?
Georgia: I have Frederick's Ataxia. It's a neuromuscular disease.
Beagle: Is that why you talk kind of like you're drunk?
Georgia: I do?
Beagle: I mean, um, you, it, just slurred a little...
Georgia: No, I get it all the time
Beagle: I just didn't know. I didn't know anything about it. I didn't mean to offend you
Georgia: No, you didn't. It's a genetic disorder of some kind.
Beagle: Are you gonna get better?
Georgia: No, this is pretty much as good as it's gonna get until my heart gives out. I don't know when that's going to be.
- Crazy credits"Currently, there is no cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. For more information about Friedreich's Ataxia please contact: Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (F.A.R.A.). www.curefa.org
- SoundtracksLay Me Down
Written by Glen Hansard, Joe Doyle (as Joseph Doyle), David Hingerty,
Colm MacConiomare (as Colm MacCon Iomaire) and David Odlum
Performed by The Frames
Courtesy of Overcoat Records
Under license from Plateau Records
His introduction back into the life of his brother has a very real effect on the younger Beagle. Played wonderfully by Aaron Stanford, (in a huge departure from his turn as Pyro in the X-Men films), he is reminded of how he had to put his life on hold to care for his parents, one dying and one unable to stay and watch. After meeting the granddaughter of his father's old friend/flame, he finds that he must start to live for himself. Although she is younger and afflicted with a debilitating muscular disease, the two find a bond and common ground with each other. They see someone like themselves, wanting to find a relationship and person to be with. The climax of their relationship is very strong and well played, allowing the audience to discover whether their connection was strictly of convenience or much more. Kristen Stewart is fantastic as the girl Georgia. The way she must control her body in order for the disease to be real is effective, but also her smile at the hand God dealt her is perfect. This young woman knows her fate and tries to overcome any feelings of sadness by just living.
The beauty of The Cake Eaters is that it unfolds very unassumingly, taking its story and its progression as naturally as possible. There are no twists and turns or bombastic moments to hit the audience over the head with. Instead we are allowed a glimpse into the world of this town, where flea markets, butcher shops, and outskirt motels are commonplace and well used. Each moment is completely authentic, from the acting to the relationships uncovered as the film goes on. Even some little moments shine above the rest like when Easy Kimbrough, (the always great Bruce Dern), is telling his girlfriend that he can't continue their relationship if it remains a secret. He is so heartfelt and she as well trying to keep him for herself in the way she had grown accustomed, but once the phone rings and she finds that her granddaughter has gone off with his son, she turns on him and screams that Beagle isn't good enough for Georgia. Emotion is a powerful thing and the blunt truth of that scene just rings completely true.
With subtle directing and the fearless use of quiet moments to let the actors breathe and do their thing, Masterson has crafted a gem of a film. I kept thinking of another film with similar tonal qualities and settings in Tully while watching. This is strange because I don't remember much about that film except for really enjoying it, yet somehow I just felt they had a kinship with each other. Definitely an independent feature, I hope it will be able to eventually break the festival circuit and get a proper release either theatrically or on DVD. It is definitely one worth watching for those interested in small character studies and really effective drama.
- jaredmobarak
- Mar 26, 2008
- Permalink
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $7,820
- Runtime1 hour 26 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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