MEAN CREEK (2005)
Directed by Jacob Aaron Estes
An astounding debut, MEAN CREEK is one of the best ever American films about childhood. The film focuses on a small group of teenagers, two brothers and their respective friends, and their method of dealing with the kid bullying the younger brother.
There’s a great young cast, including Rory Culkin, Scott Mechlowicz, Carly Schroeder, Ryan Kelley and Josh Peck. Each is terrific, making each character recognisable and sympathetic. Much credit though, should go to Estes, who handles his young cast with astonishing assurance. It’s also a beautiful film, the cinematography is superb, and Oregon has rarely looked better on screen.
Following a group of friends over a summer day, when a revenge plan goes terribly wrong. The film is funny, realistic, tense, frightening and, ultimately, quietly devastating. There’s a dark heart to the film, not afraid of making its heroes flawed and its purported villains three dimensional.
It’s reminiscent of films like STAND BY ME, and absolutely able to hold its head high in that company. This is a film that bears comparison not just with the likes of STAND BY ME, but with the early films of indie legends like John Cassavettes and John Sayles, not to mention the likes of David Gordon Green.
That Estes hasn’t yet made another film is a sad indictment of how difficult it can be for talented filmmakers to get the exposure and support that they deserve. He currently has two films in production, which I’m anticipating hugely.
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