| Thats What I Am | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Michael Pavone |
| Produced by | Michael Pavone |
| Written by | Michael Pavone |
| Starring | Ed Harris Randy Orton Molly Parker Chase Ellison Amy Madigan Alex Walters |
| Studio | WWE Studios |
| Distributed by | Samuel Goldwyn Films |
| Release date(s) | April 29, 2011 (limited) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $6,400 (US)[1] |
That's What I Am is a drama film starring Ed Harris and Chase Ellison.[2] The film is directed by Michael Pavone. Its release date was April 29, 2011 in limited release, having been released on DVD about four weeks later.
Contents |
Set in California against the backdrop of the mid-sixties, That's What I Am is a coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers. Everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. Simon (Ed Harris), pairs Andy with the school's biggest outcast and social pariah, Stanley aka "Big G" (Alexander Walters), on a critical school project. Sporting thick orange hair, a head too big for his body and ears too big for his head, "Big G" has been the object of ridicule since grade school. Before long, Andy will learn that there was truly a method behind Mr. Simon's madness as to why he teamed these two up. After a dramatic incident in the schoolyard, teachers and parents rethink their roles in school and society. Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan) suspends a school bully for brutally beating up a female classmate. The vindictive father of the bully makes Mr. Simon the target of a malicious rumor about his sexuality, causing Mr. Simon to question his calling as an educator and mentor to his students. When Andy watches "Big G" fearlessly confront the school bully about the incident, a series of events are triggered. Much to Andy's surprise, he learns that "Big G" is a brilliant, kind, tolerant human being, who has more dignity than anyone Andy has ever encountered. Big G personifies Mr. Simon's four word answer on how to obtain world peace.
In its limited theatrical release of 10 theaters, the film grossed about $6,400 for three days.[1] The film maintains a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes[2].