Few films are able to be interpreted differently by each viewer, and those that can are rarely seen. However thanks to the grassroots movement that united behind The Beatnicks, this burst like a firework on the indie world and gave us all a glimpse into discernment cinema.  It is written, directed and executed in such a way that no two people can walk away with the same impression. A truly artistic independent film that is simply remarkable for its stellar cast performances,  taking the fractured anecdotal to a whole new level, and creating a dreamlike state with seductively shot surrealist videography. What it lacked in special effects, the cast more than made up for with their cogent, authentic spin on their roles.

Norman Reedus owned the character of Nick Nero, the tortured poet struggling to make ends meet while pursuing his shot at the big time and tasting forbidden fruit. The dark and brooding performance embodied all that is poetic and stylish. Writhing between disconnect and a tortured longing soul, his portrayal of Nero was subtle yet powerful. His every gesture, frown or drawn out pattern of speech is that of a classic artist and the dark hair…. that made the character. I dare say that there is no one else I could have seen play this role quite as well. The interaction between he and Mark Boone Jr. (Nick Beat) was exactly that which you would expect to see, a bond seasoned with clashing agendas and a mutual desire leading them down the path of individual self discovery.

Mark Boone, Jr.’s work as down and out musician Nick Beat was exceptional, you could feel the sense of urgency in his character along with intermittent dashes of vulnerability, passion, possessiveness and inspiration. His journey, while in tune with Nero’s, was unique and yet somehow an age old tale. His joys and sorrows, angst and hopes were all amazingly depicted by Boone. The artistic and creative frustration that both suffocated and bloomed in Nick Beat is a testament to the collaborative skills and character development of Nina Jo Baker (writer), Nicholson Williams (writer) and Mr. Boone.

The most enduring aspect of the film was the overall mystique surrounding the characters as they dealt with  music, poetry, personal turmoil, self discovery, friendship, trying to catch a break and of course a messenger on the Santa Monica Pier. Sound a little overwhelming? It’s not. Somehow it all flows together seamlessly. The messenger monkey and the box of beats can be viewed as fate, God or any other guiding or even mischievous force. I am unable to review the movie because it is a different story to all who will see it. That is what makes it beautiful. Again,  this is the first film that I have seen which defies genre and started a league of it’s own “discernment cinema”. It is nothing that you expect it to be and everything that you want it to be, to watch this movie will inevitably lead you to seeing a part of yourself in one of the characters. It is art in the truest sense.  The Beatnicks is a riveting odyssey that allows you to glimpse into the soul-searching of two misfit men looking for a chance to make it.

Learn more about the film on the website at The Beatnicks Home Page, add it to your queue on Netflix, or pre order now on Amazon.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Norman Reedus, perhaps best known for cult phenomenonThe Boondock Saints stars in the long awaited release, The Beatnicks. In addition to Norman Reedus, the film starsMark Boone Jr. (award winning FX series Sons of Anarchy), Elodie Bouchez (Alias) & co-stars Eric Roberts (Batman: The Dark Knight), Jon Gries (Napoleon Dynamite) andPatrick Bauchau (The Pretender).

The film is set to hit DVD on April 6, 2010 via Passion River Films.

The BeatNicks are Poet Nick Nero (Norman Reedus) and musician Nick Beat (Mark Boone Jr.), a pair of misfits with bad fortune looking for a gig. Their luck begins to change when they find a box on the beach, a treasure chest of infinite beats that will set the stage for the ultimate success, a gig at the Monkey Club. Hard knocks and a trip to rock bottom reunite the Nicks to perform the gig of a lifetime, and return the box to its source.

Learn more about the film on the website at The Beatnicks Home Page, add it to your queue on Netflix, or pre order now on Amazon.

To celebrate the release of The Beatnicks DVD on April 6, Arsenic Cookies is holding a giveaway courtesy ofwww.thebeatnicks.com, where one lucky fan can win a very cool prize

THE PRIZE:
The giveaway includes one copy of the soundtrack along with a copy of the DVD signed by actor Norman Reedus.

HOW TO ENTER:
To enter leave a comment on this entry expressing some creative Beatnicks love OR your favorite thing about one of the film’s stars. It can be as simple as a sentence gushing over someone, a review on a side project, a quirky video or something more artistic such as a drawing, paiting or creatively photoshopped

DETAILS:.

- Worldwide entrants accepted
- One entry per household
- One prize to be given to one person
- Ends  April 6 2010

Let the games begin!!!

Popularity: 13% [?]

As  haunting images of mass grave reminiscent to what we’ve seen of the holocaust, along with the faces of a nation left starving and without the basic necessities  are plastered across the news, the world’s population is left in shock, scrambling to do what they can for the survivors of the devastating Haitian Earthquake. There is no way to tell how many people have actually lost their lives at this point, however the estimates  range anywhere from the 50,000  (American Red Cross) to 200,000 ( Lieutenant General Ken Keen). As each day passes the news grows darker and less promising. 1500 rescue personnel and as many as 115 search and rescue dogs have been deployed to the area, but with 85% of the buildings in Leogane destroyed and 60% of the town of Jacmel leveled it may be some time before we can get a an accurate picture of just how devastating the aftermath is. (more…)

Popularity: 18% [?]

As  haunting images of mass grave reminiscent to what we’ve seen of the holocaust, along with the faces of a nation left starving and without the basic necessities  are plastered across the news, the world’s population is left in shock, scrambling to do what they can for the survivors of the devastating Haitian Earthquake. There is no way to tell how many people have actually lost their lives at this point, however the estimates  range anywhere from the 50,000  (American Red Cross) to 200,000 ( Lieutenant General Ken Keen). As each day passes the news grows darker and less promising. 1500 rescue personnel and as many as 115 search and rescue dogs have been deployed to the area, but with 85% of the buildings in Leogane destroyed and 60% of the town of Jacmel leveled it may be some time before we can get a an accurate picture of just how devastating the aftermath is. (more…)

Popularity: unranked [?]