Music Within
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Music Within | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
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| Directed by | Steven Sawalich |
| Produced by | Brett Donowho Bruce Wayne Gillies Oli Laperal Jr. Steven Sawalich |
| Written by | Bret McKinney, Mark Andrew Olsen and Kelly Kennemer |
| Starring | Ron Livingston Melissa George Michael Sheen |
| Music by | James T. Sale |
| Cinematography | Irek Hartowicz |
| Editing by | Timothy Alverson |
| Distributed by | Articulus Entertainment Quorum Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | October 26, 2007 |
| Running time | 93 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Gross revenue | $153,205 (Dom.)[1] |
| Allmovie profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
Music Within is a 2007 drama film starring Ron Livingston and Melissa George.
Contents |
[edit] Plot Synopsis
The true story of Richard Pimentel, a brilliant public speaker with a troubled past. As a young man, Pimentel (Ron Livingston) realized he had a remarkable gift for public speaking. Pimentel's idol is College Bowl founder Dr. Padrow (Hector Elizondo), but upon trying out for Dr. Padrow, the ambitious young speaker is informed that he won't have anything to talk about until he has lived a full life. Realizing that there is some merit to Dr. Padrow's observation, Pimentel subsequently enlists in the military and prepares for duty in Vietnam. Later, while fighting on the battlefield, Pimentel loses his hearing and returns home disabled. Frustrated when others inform him that he will never achieve his dreams due to the fact that he is disabled, the determined veteran makes it his mission to prove them wrong. But it isn't as much about changing other's perceptions of the disabled as it is about altering their perceptions of themselves, and with a little help from foul-mouthed, cerebral palsy-stricken genius Art Honeyman (Michael Sheen), free-spirited beauty Christine (Melissa George), and mercurial, hard-drinking veteran Mike Stoltz (Yul Vázquez), Pimentel will play a pivotal role in creating the Americans With Disabilities Act, and finally discover his inner music.
Based on a true story, MUSIC WITHIN depicts how one man helped change policies and attitudes toward people with disabilities. Richard Pimentel (Livingston) grew up with an emotionally unstable mother (Rebecca De Mornay) and lost his father in a freak accident, so he turns to public speaking in school to find direction in life and seek the approval and praise he needs. After receiving insightful advice from a public speaking mentor (Hector Elizondo), Richard enlists in the army and serves in Vietnam. He returns with impaired hearing and finds it difficult to get a job. Through friendships with Art (Michael Sheen), who has cerebral palsy, and fellow Vietnam vets with various ailments, Richard finds his calling as an employment placement advocate for those with disabilities. Catching the attention of the state governor, his innovative work leads to a breakthrough opportunity: to write the training program for employers and government agencies to improve conditions, hire, and retain employees with disabilities. His efforts ultimately result in the creation of the congressionally approved Americans with Disabilities Act. MUSIC WITHIN impeccably fulfills its mission to inform as it entertains, as it seriously explores this sensitive subject but never loses its sense of humor when dealing with the issues. Livingston (OFFICE SPACE) is perfectly cast as Richard; his earnest Everyman style inspires, and his deadpan comic timing adds warmth to a story that showcases how cold people can be. Sheen (THE QUEEN) is a marvel as the brilliant and witty wheelchair-bound Art. Their chemistry is spellbinding and their characters' unique relationship is the heartbeat of this endearing film
[edit] Awards
Movie director Steven Sawalich won an Audience Award for best narrative feature film.
[edit] DVD
Scheduled for release on April 8th, 2008.
[edit] Primary Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ron Livingston | Richard Pimentel |
| Melissa George | Christine |
| Michael Sheen | Art Honeyman |
| Yul Vazquez | Mike Stolz |
| Rebecca De Mornay | Richard's Mom |
| Hector Elizondo | Ben Padrow |
| Leslie Nielsen | Bill Austin |
| Ridge Canipe | Young Richard |
| Paul Michael | Joe |
| Clint Jung | Richard's Dad |
| John Livingston | Mr. Parks |
[edit] References
- ^ boxofficemojo.com. Music Within. Retrieved on December 15, 2007.
