Because everyone loves a good coming-of-age flick, check out “Splinterheads” showing at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., from Dec. 18 to 23.
“Splinterheads” tells the tale of 20-something slacker Justin Frost (played by Thomas Middleditch) who meets a beautiful carnie named Galaxy (played by Rachael Taylor) who’s interests include geocaching (an outdoor treasure-hunting game using a GPS), being a con-artist and tattoos.
Add a quirky supporting cast that includes such characters as Galaxy’s psychotically jealous boyfriend, Justin’s 116-year-old grandfather who’s a living attraction at the carnival and a cop so enamored with Justin’s mother that he seeks out her attention by continually arresting her son – and you’ve got yourself quite the delightful distraction from the cold winter weather here in New Hampshire.
Writer and director Brant Sersen and producer Darren Goldberg of New York City- based production company, Atlantic Pictures, agreed to give us some more information about the comedy. If you’re searching for even more information, visit redrivertheatres.org or splinterheadsthemovie.com.
Can you sum up the plot of “Splinterheads” in one sentence?:
Sersen: When a clumsy landscaper falls for a sexy, cunning carnival worker, he wakes up to the life he has yet to begin living.
What type of people would enjoy “Splinterheads” and why should people come out and see it?
Sersen: Anybody and everyone! There’s a little a bit of everything in the movie. Drama, romance, karate action and comedy. Actually, lots of comedy.
If you like underdog films where the hero must jump off a cliff, avoid a love-sick cop, fight a psycho boyfriend, save his great-grandfather to win the girl – then you’ll enjoy it.
If you like the hilarious Christopher McDonald, Lea Thompson, Rachael Taylor, Dean Winters and if you want to be the first to see break-out stars Thomas Middleditch, Jason Rogel and Jason Mantzoukas, then you should see it.
What is your favorite part of the movie? (without giving anything away, of course!)
Sersen: Hmmm . . . I have a few, but one scene that seems to be the hands-down favorite for everyone is a scene between The Amazing Steve and Wyoming and Justin and Wayne. If you check our Facebook page or youtube.com or imdb.com, you’ll be able to check it out and see why. Just search “Splinterheads” and “The Amazing Steve.”
We saw that the film was featured at the New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth back in October. How’d that go?
Sersen: Apparently, our screening had the biggest daytime attendance in the history of the festival and we picked up an audience award for Best Narrative Film, so it went pretty well.
Portsmouth is a beautiful town with a really strong film community. Nicole Gregg and everyone at NHFF have done an amazing job, and I look forward to going back.
his film has limited release at this time. Why come to Concord?
Sersen: We are playing the film in a bunch of small-town independent theaters. We feel that the audiences in towns like Concord really connect to the film and after the response we got in Portsmouth at the festival, New Hampshire was an obvious choice. We are also big fans of Red River Theatres. The programmer saw the film at New Hampshire Film Festival and loved it.
What exactly is the role of Atlantic Pictures in this film?
Goldberg: Atlantic Pictures has been involved with “Splinterheads” from the first draft of the script, and has been with it every step of the way. Atlantic financed the production and release of the film, drove the film through all stages of production and post-production, and worked alongside Paladin to strategize the theatrical release.
What’s next for Atlantic Pictures?
Goldberg: “Splinterheads” will come out on DVD in February, and on VOD shortly after, so we are gearing up for both of those releases.
Atlantic also has several film and television projects in development right now, including an ensemble comedy by two up-and-coming writers that will go into production mid-next year, and a travel show featuring some very talented improv comedians. Shooting for the show will begin in various locations around the world beginning early next year.
“Splinterheads” (2009, 94 min.) is not rated, but we think you may want to leave the little kiddies at home.
