Putty Hill

Putty Hill

Directed by	Matthew Porterfield
Written by	Matthew Porterfield and Jordan Mintzer
Starring	Sky Ferreira
Cinematography	Jeremy Saulnier
Edited by	Marc Vives
Distributed by	The Cinema Guild
Release dates	February 18, 2010 (2010-02-18) (Berlin) February 18, 2011 (2011-02-18) (United States)
Running time	85 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$80 000
Box office	$49,918^[1]

Putty Hill is a 2010 independent drama film directed by Matthew Porterfield. A beautifully realized portrait of a close–knit community on the outskirts of Baltimore, Putty Hill is the second feature from celebrated young filmmaker Matt Porterfield. At a neighborhood karaoke bar, friends and family gather to remember a young man who passed away. Knowing little about his final days, they attempt to reconstruct his life. In the process, they offer a window onto their own lives, an evocative picture of working‐class America, dislocated from the progress and mobility around them, but united in pursuit of a shared dream. The Film stars Sky Ferreira as the main character.

Plot

The film revolves around a community of friends and family as they cope with the untimely death of a young man named Cory. Throughout the film the characters engage one on one with the camera discussing their relationship to Cory and their reactions to his passing.

Cast

Sky Ferreira as Jenny, Cory's Cousin; Spike's Daughter.
Zoe Vance as Zoe, Cory's Older Sister.
James Siebor as James, Cory's Brother.
Dustin Ray as Dustin, Cory's Best Friend.
Charles Sauers as Spike, Cory's Uncle; Jenny's Father; Cathy's Brother.
Cathy Evans as Cathy, Mother of Cory, Zoe, James and Marina; Spike's Sister.
Virginia Heath as Virginia, Cathy and Spike's Mom.
Cody Ray as Cody, Dustin's Brother.
Casey Weibust as Casey, Zoe's Best Friend.
Drew Harris as Geoff, Cory's Neighbor, Ashley's Brother.
Marina Siebor as Marina, Cory's Younger Sister.
Jimee Buchanon as Jimee, Cory's Friend; Ashley's Neighbor; Mary's Boyfriend.
Mary Pozoulakis as Mary, Cory's Friend; Jimee's Girlfriend.
Aurora Corey as Aurora, Jenny's Childhood Best Friend.
Liz O'Brien as Liz, Aurora's Friend.
Ashley Ocfemia as Ashley, Aurora's Friend; Geoff's Sister.
Ian Burke as Ian, Cody's Friend.
Joseph Mooney as Joe, A Friend of the Family.
Carol Ray as Carol, Cody and Dustin's Mom.
India Streeter as India, Cody's Girlfriend.
Alex Herbskerman as Alex, Zoe's Friend.
Lucie Stahl as Lucie, Zoe's Friend.
Julia Arredondo as Julia, Zoe's Friend.

Filming

Filming took place in and around Baltimore, Maryland. The film is noted for utilizing mainly nonprofessional actors who play themselves in a fictional story. Much of the dialogue was created through conversations Matthew Porterfield had with the actors prior to filming.^[2] The director names mainly European directors as influences, such as Pedro Costa and Robert Bresson.^[3]^[4]

Reception

Putty Hill was premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Roger Ebert reviewed the film giving it 4 out of 4 stars.^[5] The film was designated a New York Times Critic's Pick as well.^[6] The film had its Baltimore premiere within Maryland Film Festival to two sold-out screenings in May, 2010. It was acquired for U.S. distribution by The Cinema Guild.

Putty Hill currently holds a rating of "75%" based off of 28 reviews from critics.

References