Scrapper

Created by Ed Dougherty, and Brady Hall, 'Scrapper' is a film that is serious and comical at the same time. Dark, witty, almost haunting at moments...it is broken up just as quickly with humor. I could see this movie being a complete comedy, or a complete tragedy, depending on the perspective and tone shown.

Ed Dougherty (writer), and Brady Hall (writer & director) tow the middle ground where most of us live. There is comedy in tragedy and tragedy in comedy.

The story: Hollis Wallace (played by Michael Beach) a man with a comical name (not the point however) is a scrapper, he collects metal from the Seattle area and uses his earnings to help take care of his mother. He is lonely, isolated, a misanthrope, but all of that changes when he meets a troubled girl and forms the first real friendship he has had in years.

I was a scrapper myself, for a time, but I scrapped in a small town where the worst people did crystal and the best wanted to charge you for their waste scrap. It is an interesting life, and I can say the movie did a pretty good job portraying that world. Hollis Wallace meets people, sees them when they are most exposed, in their homes and does his best to make a living.

I was drawn into this film from the start. I didn't think the dialogue was all that powerful, it felt a little forced, written to explain situations and feelings, it at points came off unnatural. That said, I didn't care. Michael Beach (Hollis Wallace) played a genuine role. Anna Giles (Swan, the troubled girl) played the character of despondent and lost girl who refuses to admit she is lost realistically (believe me, I have known many in my life).

I don't know how to explain the attraction. I watch some movies...there is just no pull, no connection. But this movie, even though half of it is watching a 40 year old man and 18 year old girl pick up metal, I couldn't look away. I was waiting for the explosion, the realization, the bond, the feeling, the thing that makes life so worthwhile: the ever lasting connections we form as people. I was not disappointed in this film.

This film is quite a ride. The trailer doesn't elude much to the fact that a lot of this is darkly comedic. I was very surprised in a good way! There are too many films that have a good storyline and great characters and there is no comic relief! Don't get me wrong, its still a Drama, but it has its moments. This film had the perfect balance.

The way the ensemble worked together was amazing. The cast members really played well off of each other and lived moment to moment. Swan (Giles) is a lost young woman, in which whom we should feel really bad for, but we see the way she lives her life and it brings a lightness to it. She played it very well! Ray (Gillen) also brought his fair share of comedy to it...but in the end you look back upon him and rethink his motives...what a strange man! Hollis (Beach) really carries the film and brought so much to the story. He was so open and vulnerable to everything that was happening to him. I felt like I was working beside him.

I saw this film at the Seattle International Film Fest. It will be out on VOD in April 2014 and I am gonna buy it! So good!

Check it, yo.

A lot to like, as well as some things that weren't exactly necessary or believable. If there's one thing I can't stand in a movie it's characters behaving in ways that simply defy reason. There's a few of those in here but I managed to push through them and enjoy this film to a degree. A few supporting characters weren't fitting to their role at all, and even the leads were given circumstances that made no sense. But overall it's a unique glimpse into a drudging way to make a living in a tough neighborhood. The lead girl was easy to like and sympathize with. The lead was an interesting person, flawed but genuinely wanting to help. One neighbor and the babysitter were simply too annoying to garner any belief in what they were saying or doing. The bondage stuff didn't bother me but the way it was portrayed was just plain dumb. A good way to spend your time but ultimately there's nothing here that will linger or make you want to watch it again.

I remember seeing this trailer for the first time. It's one of those trailers that grabs you right away. One if the one's where you identify with the lead character and his struggle instantly.

The opening shot in the trailer shows you just how beautiful the film will look. It takes you right into Hollis's (Beach) world. You then see the strange Ray(Gillen) and then a young girl taking part in bondage (giles). Then it cuts to Hollis taking Swan (Giles) in and putting a roof over her head. The trailer definitely keeps you curious and wanting more. Those are the kind if trailers I love! The movie is even better!

I was very moved when I saw this film. It reminded me to be a kind person and not be afraid to push for what I want in life. Also, to not be afraid to stand up for myself because you never know when its going to be too late.

The acting in this is spot on. The chemistry between the characters is so great. It flows so well and leaves you wanting more. You are really submerged into this world of a scrap metal collector and all that it entails and the characters that inhabit this neighborhood.

This is the type of independent film that I could watch over and over again. Being an actress, these are the types of films that I want to associate myself with. Ones with true heart, depth and the occasional comical line. Movies like this give me hope and help remind me of where I am in my life. I will watch this one many more times. Great film! Wish I could've caught it at the Austin Film Fest!

I got an advanced DVD copy of this movie from a friend who had it because apparently he knows one of the actors whose name I can't remember but who played some super tiny role in the movie, and honestly, I only ended up watching it because my Netflix account was down for the count the other night, but I was surprised by how good it was. Not really what I expected, but it was well worth it.

This is just a really engaging movie with great performances, especially from Aiden Gillen. Very emotional story, you get caught up in the main character's tiny world and all of the pressure that falls on him along the way. Definitely recommended!