Sunday, June 22, 2008

Bars

Author: Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"Bars"

Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Produced by Lawrence Bender
Edited by Sally Menke
Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
Production Designed by James D. Bissell and Jan Pascale

Principal Cast:

Jake Gyllenhaal (Andrew Carlson)
Christian Bale (Ricky T.)
Steve Buscemi (Mike Katman)
David Carradine (Earl Chambers)
Clifton Collins, Jr. (Josué Vasquez)
Matt Dillon (Jimmy Wholesome)
Morgan Freeman (Warden John H. Harolds)
Heath Ledger (Johnny Right)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Paul Greenwood)
Michael Madsen (Phil)
David Strathairn (Michale Rivers)

Tagline: "When you cage the devil, all hell breaks loose inside"

Synopsis: "Bars" is an intense drama that is set in a Texas prison near the outskirts of the notorious state. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a man who is convicted of the rape and murder of his girlfriend and is sentenced to twenty-five years to life in prison. But, of course, he realizes this will probably be shortened due to probation. His life his hell as the years go on. One prison guard (David Carradine) is treating him terribly and he constantly is on the lookout for Ricky T. (Bale) who is the prision yard bully and makes Carlson the target for his own weekly sex assaults. He can survive with the help of some good people, like the other guard (Strathairn) who knows a word of kindness and respect, Mike Katman (Buscemi) who has been his inside friend since day one, and Warden Harolds (Freeman) is always looking out for the safety and well-being of all the inmates. Also, a single-named inmate (Madsen) provides an intersting look on life to him. Throughout the movie, Carlson still retains great interest in this mysterious man. Dillon, Ledger, Hoffman and Collins fill out the rest of the mainly focused inmates.

What the press would say:

Quentin Tarantino provides another gritty and realistic portrait of a film. His masterful direction is present in every frame his top notch screenplay is another deserving one as well. Menke also has great editing decisions and Prieto continues to amaze with brilliant cinematography. Tarantino has also made James D. Bissell and Jan Pascale (Oscar nominated designers of "Good Night and Good Luck") his new production designers in place of David Wasco, and they bring a more grounded realism to the project that really intensifies with the set. And of course, one cannot forget the the great ensemble, especailly Madsen in a really tender role. The campaign is hoping for this:

Best Picture
Best Director-Quentin Tarantino
Best Actor-Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor-Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actor-Steve Buscemi
Best Supporting Actor-Michael Madsen
Best Supporting Actor-Morgan Freeman
Best Origianl Screenplay-Quentin Tarantino
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Sound

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