I checked the website and from what I've seen and read, Jailbait pays homage to the films of the 70s mixing animation and a solid alt-rock soundtrack with live action similar to Heavy Metal, Bakshi, and dare I say, the original Lord of the Rings debacle. But that's where it must end. Given the casting of Peter Dinklage, and from what I've heard, Hannah Hall (Virgin Suicides), coupled with some of the hottest animators and California-based bands working today, it's clear to me that this film leaves its campy and obnoxious precursors back in the 70s where they belong. Instead of T&A, foul mouthed animals and buxom androids, Jailbait seems to take the genre to a fresh new level that's tender, morally challenging, and most of all, an original visual experience.
This film seems to have all the key elements of the underground and Indie scene. If it's made (and I hope it is) it's poised to be the height of cool. If you think I'm going overboard, just check out the Jailbait website and look at who director Ben Sainsbury has got on his side:
Actors: Peter Dinklage - the hottest Indie actor in Hollywood today Hanna Hall remember the girl who screamed, 'run Forrest, run!' Kira Reid uber porn actress and goddess to millions of men
Musicians: Pigmy Love Circus, Fatso Jetson, The Earthlings, Harry the Dog, John X and Egaso, Cahuenga Symphony Orchestra
Animators: Dean Haspiel (American Splendor), StayHonest, Shepard Fairy (Obey Giant), Jason Archer and Paul Beck (winners of a Latin Grammy for best video).
If the website is true, the talent involved is fantastic. Judging from the trailer, this movie could be the most interesting film to come out of the Indie scene in quite some time.
I have no idea if the funding is there for a full feature, or what's going on with production. The web site states that Sainsbury has gone to the SXSW festival to talk about the movie. I'd love to hear what he has happening next. Maybe he'll announce its going into production. In the meantime, I'll just keep visiting the website.
