Directors Series: Karyn Kusama
The goal for the Directors Series will be to take a deep dive into the entire filmography of either an up and coming director whose name should be on the tip of everyone's tongue or a potentially well known director with a diverse filmography. Some of the names on this list will surprise you, as they have been working as a director in Hollywood for a while and just gotten their big break, or have had a long time between projects.
THIS MONTH'S DIRECTOR: Karyn Kusama
Karyn has been working in the industry since 2000, despite only having made five films. As we continue to examine her filmography, it's very much worth pointing out that she has never stayed in one genre, crossing over to sci fi, horror and thriller.
We begin with her stunning debut feature, which announced her as a cinematic force to be reckoned with.
MOVIE: Girlfight (2000)
Starring:
Michelle Rodriguez as Diana
Jaime Tirelli as Hector
Paul Calderon as Sandro
Douglas Santiago as Adrian
Ray Santiago as Tiny
Budget: $1 Million
Box Office:
Opened: $197,896
Final: $1.565M
Plot:
After getting into another fight at school, New York high schooler Diana is advised to find a place to channel her anger, otherwise she will be expelled. Against her father's wishes, she chooses to take up boxing and begins to be trained by Hector at the local gym. Impressed with her progress and how she more than holds her own with the male boxers, Hector begins to think she could have a real career, which helps start a gender blind boxing championship. With her star on the rise and continuing to defy the odds, it all comes down to the emotional climactic championship bout.
My Review:
This is the only film in Kusama's filmography that I hadn't seen and I'm really bummed that it took me this long to see it. It's not only an impressive debut feature but it actually stands as one of the better boxing movies I've seen. It's a tense and gritty film that doesn't feel at all like it was made for a low budget. The boxing scenes are impressive as well, chaotic and realistic and filmed without the gloss and polish of a bigger budget film. Equally as impressive is how real and lived in the film feels. The actors take a very naturalistic approach to their roles, which helps strengthen Kusama's dialogue and well written script. It also feels very ahead of its time with how it tackles gender norms and stereotypes and does so without feeling forced or preachy.
The film also serves as the debut for Michelle Rodriguez as well and she doesn't disappoint. Physically tough and tenacious and yet incredibly vulnerable, she came out of the gate swinging and has never matched this level of performance her entire career.
There are three core relationships for Diana's character and the film weaves and balances them effectively. First is her relationship (or lack there of) with her father Sandro, whose abusive hand Diana blames for the death of her mother. When this relationship finally comes to its boiling point, it's one of the best scenes in the film. Then there is her relationship with her trainer Hector, who doesn't treat things seriously until he realizes Diana has a natural talent inside the ring and becomes her surrogate father figure. Their relationship is very endearing and progresses in a very natural and unforced way. The third relationship is with Adrian, another boxer at the gym who helps push Diana to open up outside the ring. Their on-again-off-again relationship might come across as annoying, but it builds to an emotionally satisfying conclusion.
Stop waiting to see this if you haven't already. It has held up well and features two stunning debuts, one in front of and one behind the camera.
Critical reception:
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
Michelle Rodriguez:
Won Best Debut Performance at the Independent Spirit Awards
Won Breakthrough Female Performance from The National Board of Review
Won Breakthrough Award at The Gotham Awards
Karyn Kusama:
Won Dramatic Director Award at The Sundance Film Festival
Won Grand Jury Prize at The Sundance Film Festival
Won Best Foreign Film at The Cannes Film Festival
Won Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking from The National Board of Review
Won Open Palm Award at The Gotham Awards
Nominated:
Best First Feature at Independent Spirit Awards
Golden Camera Award at The Cannes Film Festival
C.I.A.C.E. Award at The Cannes Film Festival
Trademarks:
Score by Theodore Shapiro
Trivia:
The only film that she has written, although she did write her segment for the horror anthology film XX. Three of her films are written by the team of Phil Hay (her husband) and Matt Manfredi.
She had trouble getting the film financed, as many balked at the idea of a Latina lead, asking her to either cast a white woman or make the character male saying that a female lead was "unattractive and unbelievable." After she was finally able to secure financing, the financiers backed out two days before pre-production. Her former mentor John Sayles and his producing partner agreed to finance the film.
Up Next: Æon Flux (2005)