PIECES OF APRIL (2001)

Written & Directed By: Peter Hedges 
Cinematography By: Tami Reiker 
Editor: Mark Livolsi 


Cast: Katie Holmes, Derek Luke, Patricia Clarkson, Oliver Platt, Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr., Isiah Whitlock Jr., Alice Drummond, Adrian Martinez 

 In a very poor zone of New York, April Burns and her boyfriend, the Afro-American Bobby, are preparing to receive April's family for thanksgiving dinner. While Bobby tries to borrow a suit for himself, April realizes that her stove is broken. She tries desperately to find a neighbor that can let her cook the turkey, since she does not want to fail (again) with her family. Meanwhile, in a suburb of Pennsylvania, her dysfunctional family is preparing to travel to New York. While driving, the relationship between the Burns and their black-sheep April is disclosed through the conversations between her father Jim, her resented mother Joy, her brother, her sister and her grandmother.

Is the first original screenplay by writer/director Peter Hedges. All his others have been adaptations.

A film that tries to make fun of heartwarming tales of estrangement and reunion while being exactly what they are try by to make fun of, it’s a heartwarming film that true to wear it’s quirky indie leanings on it’s sleeve, but easily could have been released by a major studio since all the things that the film tries to make look edgy and unorthodox feel a little familiar.

The film’s tone changes wildly. I am guessing to represent how in life even when things are planned they can change wildly in a second. It’s especially true in the scene where Katie Holmes character’s current boyfriend runs into her ex. The ex whose character remains ridiculous but vital. It seems a stretch to believe Holmes Character April would have ever dated him in the first place. The way we know her now, but this is after we are informed of her changing. As we hear about her past it might be more believable,but in a more her using him as her escape.

Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the film for all of it’s qualities. A good cast, sense of humor, tearjerker that if not for a few scenes is actually a good family film. Though more of a family film for adults. Patricia Clarkson is a particular scene stealer

It has it’s bits of cynical humor but doesn’t overload the film with them.

The film has a general theme of forgiveness that skips the build up, revelation and false sentiments and cuts to the point directly. It only lingers when the emotions feel organic.

The film is filled with wonderful actors, some seem to be there more as comedic relief. Giving the film the requisite one of a kind quirky New York characters.

The situations with them feels more like the work of sitcoms especially when it comes to set-up with filler and follow through especially considering the film is short at 80 minutes.

It seems there was a central theme that needed padding and ways to fill in half story to have and show Katie Holmes character do something while the others make their trek. Because of some of the fashions and situations the film feels of it’s time period but becomes universal because of it’s themes of rebellion and acceptance.

Shot in just 16 days on a budget of $100,000. Costs were kept this low by the film company InDigEnt cutting a deal with the unions. This meant that Peter Hedges was paid $10 to direct the film, and another $10 to write it. All the actors worked for $248 a day.

This film seems a little eager to be thought special. While one can enjoy the film and can easily recommend but would rarely return to watch unless to show to someone to discover it. It’s not a forgettable film.

If you are looking for something happy and heartwarming with a bit of an edge this film is for you. 

GRADE: C+