Candy Mountain
Candy Mountain | |
---|---|
Directed by | Robert Frank Rudy Wurlitzer |
Written by | Rudy Wurlitzer |
Produced by | Philippe Diaz |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Pio Corradi |
Edited by | Jennifer Augé |
Music by | Dr. John David Johansen Rita MacNeil Leon Redbone |
Distributed by | International Film Exchange (IFEX) Republic Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 103 minutes |
Countries | Switzerland Canada France |
Language | English |
Candy Mountain is a 1987
Frank's third collaboration with American novelist and screenwriter Wurlitzer,[1] the latter explains the story as a combination of the lives of both him and Frank. He stated, "We both live in New York and we both have houses in Cape Breton. In a way Elmore's route was the same as ours. Music and musicians, their dilemmas and lifestyles, mean a lot to Robert and myself."[2]
Plot
Set in New York City, Candy Mountain tells the tale of a struggling guitarist named Julius. After he promises a rock star he can find an elusive guitar maker and acquire his valuable products, he sets off on a quest to Canada to find the legendary Elmore Silk, in order to strike a deal with him. Along his journey via
Cast
- Kevin J. O'Connor as Julius
- Harris Yulin as Elmore Silk
- Tom Waits as Al Silk
- Bulle Ogier as Cornelia
- Roberts Blossom as Archie
- Leon Redbone as Leon
- Dr. John as Henry
- Rita MacNeil as Winnie
- Joe Strummer as Mario
- Laurie Metcalf as Alice
- Jayne Eastwood as Lucille
- Kazuko Oshima as Koko Yamamoto
- Eric Mitchell as Gunther
- Mary Joy as Couple
- Robert Joy as Couple
- Arto Lindsay as Alston
- Mary Margaret O'Hara as Darlene
- David Johansen as Keith Burns
- Tony 'Machine' Krasinski as Musician
- Susan Kirschner as Suzie
- "Dee" Emile de Antonio as Lou Sultan
- Jose Soto as Musician's Son
- Bob Maroff as Gas-station Attendant
- Rockets Redglare as Van Driver
- Nancy Fish as Maid
- Dan Archie Cummings as Gas-station Owner
- Liz Porrazzo as Lola
- Roy MacEachern as Customs Officer
- Wayne Robson as Buddy Burke
- Eric House as Doctor
Production
In an interview, Robert Frank stated that the film reflected his own life and journey from New York City to Nova Scotia. Additional inspiration was drawn partially from Wurlitzer's previous films and his experience of having a career on the road. The film's script was developed from a book of photography that was built upon Frank and Wurlitzer's experiences from living in Nova Scotia. The portrayal of the United States in the film is that of a "twisted industrial landscape",[4] whereas Canada is seen as a "slow, peaceful land".[4] The central theme of the film is the journey between the two countries, and is "exemplary of the road film genre".[4] Frank credits his opportunity to live quietly and view nature as contributing to his own self betterment and his work as a filmmaker, which he exemplifies in the film.[4]
Reception
Release
The film had it world premiere on August 10, 1987 at the
Critical response
The film generally received positive reviews from critics. Caryn James of The New York Times wrote, "...seems to be a small, quirky film, but it easily assumes the weight, ambition and success that many larger films aim for and miss."[7]
A review published in the August 25, 1988 edition of The Herald[
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival
- 1987: Won, "Silver Seashell Award"[11]
References
- ^ a b "Candy Mountain - Cast, Crew, Director and Awards". The New York Times. November 11, 2012. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012.
- ^ Guttridge, Peter (21 December 1989). "Wurlitzer is back on the road again; Rudy Wurlitzer". The Times. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018 – via Gale Group.
- ^ a b "Candy Mountain". What a Feeling|. May 30, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Lerner, L.R. (1997). Canadian Film and Video: A Bibliography and Guide to the Literature. Vol. 2. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
- ^ "Candy Mountain - Miscellaneous Notes". Turner Classic Movie Database. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
- ^ "Program note". Locarno International Film Festival. 1987. Retrieved December 4, 2022 – via CineFiles.
- ^ James, Caryn (June 10, 1988). "Review/Film; Hitting the Highway". The New York Times.
- ^ Hoberman, J. (November 5, 2008). "From Robert Frank's Beat Movies to a Nearly Unknown Staged Afternoon, at Anthology". The Village Voice. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
- The Ottawa Citizen. p. E7.
- ^ "Candy Mountain (1987)". Rotten Tomatoes.
- MUBI. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
External links
- Candy Mountain at IMDb