Durant's Never Closes

This movie is a combination of a good theatre 🎭 + cinema 🎥. The director has combined both in one.

I like how Durant's Never Closes weaves story-telling, metaphorical imagery, and documentary style real-life interviews together to open a window into the intriguing lifestyle and character of 1970s successful Phoenix restaurateur, Jack Durant, an arrogant, self-made business man who had relations with Hollywood celebrities and with the mob, including Bugsy Siegel. I like how Travis Mills and the Running Wild Film crew incorporate scene transition techniques that convey the complexity of Jack Durant and mimic the kaleidoscope of invading thoughts, worries and confused dreams I have an appreciation for the cinematography techniques, particularly the manner of camera panning, slow motion, depth of field, and the manner of scene transitions emphasize the dreamlike state of Jack Durant's flashbacks as well as exemplify the jumbled mindset of an irritated, demanding, troubled man who is frustrated by the state of his control as he views his life events in confusion. The complex character of Jack Durant is portrayed expertly by Tom Sizemore's skillful use of subtle expressions and body language. It demonstrates Sizemore's true ability to empathize with the character of Jack Durant and bring him back to life. Travis Mills, the screenwriter, director and producer of this film, showcases his ability to visualize the entire picture from the start with supportive stories that add drama, comedy, historical information, and empathy for the characters. Travis Mills, in his ability to accomplish the entirety of screen writing, directing and producing a feature film, demonstrates his strong potential for more greatness in the future. Durant's Never Closes is an applauded example of how it is possible, within a limited independent film budget, to construct amazing scenery, to incorporate that talents and skills of local talented actors, artisans, to attract the dedication of expert sound & lighting technicians, to provide opportunities for rising local talent to blend with seasoned actors and mutually benefit from the experience, and to make the most of available resources in order to develop entertaining stories.

Yes, I like Tom Sizemore, that being said I thought this film showed his prowess as an actor. It is a slice of America, a story that is complex and yet simple. Was Durant a bad man, maybe, was he a good man, maybe, just as we all are viewed as such. Travis put together a good cast to make this story work and interesting. I drove from Indy to Detroit to see this film and visit with friends, worth my time and money. There are moments you are waiting for some answers to questions and yet more questions are asked you didn't even know needed asked. Then you are let into a person who was real and Sizemore made you want to know the man.. yes see this film

Travis Mills did an amazing job directing this film. He is talented and insightful. Tom Sizemore plays a legendary restaurater, ladies man with ties to the mafia. He seems to easily fit easily into the era. His rough around the edges character does not tend to be likable. Yet, you feel for him in his scene with his ex-wife, even though he causes his own downfall. A great performance. The cinematography by Nicholas Fornwalt is outstanding!

I was waiting for this one. And it didn't disappoint. Growing up in Phoenix in later part of the 70's and early 80's. It felt right. You can really feel this moment in time. Some will find it confusing. If you are just a summer block buster type. More of thought provoking tear jerker. 9 out of 10. More studio crispness and it would be a honest 10!