New at BOP: Review: Matrix Resurrections Movie Review: Moonfall Movie Reviews: Scream The #1 Movie in America November Forecast The Many Saints of Newark October Forecast New Trivia Question All site updates Share & Save   Tweet

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at the 2001 Slamdunk Film Festival, The Independent tells the story of Morty Fineman (Jerry Stiller), an eccentric producer/director or B-movies. When it appears his production company will be foreclosed, he seeks the assistance of his tanning bed-obsessed daughter, played by Janeane Garofalo (who won the Best Actress award at the Slamdunk Fest).

The film is part “mockumentary” and part narrative. It was co-written and directed by Stephen Kessler (Vegas Vacation) and produced on a budget so tight that extras were compensated for their work with movie passes rather than cash.

The Independent does have some very creative casting, including Julie Strain, the real-life “Queen of the B-movies”, and former porn star Ginger Lynn Allen as the mayor of the city where the featured High Desert Film Festival takes place. Cameos by Ben Stiller, Andy Dick, Peter Bogdanovich, Roger Corman, Ted Demme and Ron Howard also add some punch.

After a premiere way back in February 8, 2000 at the Aspen Comedy Festival, The Independent has been making the rounds at several other film festivals and has been the beneficiary of numerous glowing reviews. It now opens in New York and L.A. on November 30th with the possibility for further expansion in the weeks to follow; however, the film has very little buzz and is unlikely to be more than a cult video favorite. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

Vital statistics for The Independent Main Cast Jerry Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Max Perlich Supporting Cast Ted Demme, Roger Corman, Ron Howard, Karen Black, Peter Bogdanovich, Fred Williamson, Nick Cassavetes Director Stephen Kessler Screenwriter Stephen Kessler, Mike Wilkins Official Site http://www.finemanfilms.com/ Rating R Running Time 95 minutes Screen Count 1 Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture

Comparison films for The Independent
Title	Date	Opening	Adjusted Opening	Screens	PSA	Adj PSA	Total BO	Adjusted Total	Mult
Best in Show	10/20/00	2.16	2.41	497	4346.00	4676.6	18.52	20.71	6.44