Rites of Passage (film)
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| Rites of Passage | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Victor Salva |
| Written by | Victor Salva |
| Starring | Dean Stockwell James Remar Jason Behr |
| Release date(s) | 1999 |
| Running time | 95 min. |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
Rites of Passage is a thriller from 1999 written and directed by Victor Salva. It stars Dean Stockwell, James Remar, and Jason Behr.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
The film begins with us seeing two recently escaped convicts approach some campers. The elder of the pair shoots and kills the campers with single rapidfire shots to the head, demonstrating both uncommon indifference towards their lives and a high degree of proficiency for violence. Fade to:
D.J. Farraday (Robert Glen Keith) discovers that his father, Del (Dean Stockwell), has been having an affair. D.J. asks Del to meet him at the family's cabin by the lake, where D.J. intends to confront him about his adultery. When the two arrive at the summer house, they find the younger son, Campbell "Cam" Farraday (Jason Behr), already there. The tension betweem sons and father is thick. Eventually it is revealed that Del had found Cam and Cam's boyfriend, Billy, embracing there at the cabin. Del brutally beat Billy, and father and son have not spoken since. Cam seems determined to leave the confrontational situation. While D.J. is trying to convince Cam to stay and attempt a reconciliation, Cam reveals to him that Billy is dead, and the clear implication is that Cam blames his father for the loss of his partner.
A short while later, the two escaped convicts (Frank (James Remar) and Red (Jaimz Woolvett),) show up at the cabin, claiming to have broken down and asking to use the phone. Red, who is introduced as Frank's adult son, makes a point of taking up the hospitality offered, using that excuse to remain in the house (over Frank's objection.) As the evening progresses Frank seems to be forcing Del into a challenge. Tensions are high, as Frank makes his play for Alpha of the house. At one point, D.J. (Del Junior) goes so far as to suggest that "we all just whip 'em out and get this over with."
When the police show up looking for two escaped convicts, things get tense very quickly, and it the aftermath it becomes clear that Cam knew the pair and has some sort of entanglement with them. From there, the twists and turns begin to thicken, while the onionskin layers of this tale are revealed. The family must reconcile or put aside their issues with each other to deal with the menacing force of Frank.
[edit] Production and releases
This was the first film from director Victor Salva since the controversy surrounding his film, Powder. Salva based much of the dialogue between Del, D.J. and Cam on tense conversations he and his own father had while Salva was growing up. The production took 18 days to film. Co-star Jason Behr received the script only two weeks before shooting began.
Two versions of the film have been released. A director's cut of the film with commentary by director Victor Salva and co-star Jason Behr was released by Bell Canyon Entertainment on May 2, 2000. This version of the film features several deleted scenes which further explain the relationships between the major characters. A theatrical release version was released by Wolfe Video on August 30, 2000. This edition contains no commentaries.
[edit] References
- Goldstein, Patrick. "'Powder' Director, Convicted Molester, Returns from the Brink." Los Angeles Times. June 11, 2006.
- Harvey, Dennis. "'Rites of Passage' (review)." Variety. June 28, 1999.
