After the debacle that was “Exorcist: Believer,” and as the ghost of William Friedkin continuing to haunt him, David Gordon Green quickly set out to shoot his next film, an indie called “Nutcrackers.” It’s now set to open the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
Ben Stiller stars in “Nutcrackers,” his first lead role in seven years. Green shot the film in 35mm, going back to his indie roots. “Nutcrackers” is based on a screenplay by Leland Douglas (“Call of the Wild.”). Here’s the synopsis:
“Nutcrackers” follows strait-laced and work-obsessed Mike (Ben Stiller) as he is suddenly thrust into being a caregiver for his rambunctious, orphaned nephews.
Green was once a filmmaker I deeply respected, but he then went so far off the deep end in Hollywood claptrap, becoming a full-on whore for Blumhouse, that we wondered if he’d ever go back to more personal filmmaking. “Nutcrackers,” a return to his indie roots, could signify a fresh start for Green.
The 47-year-old filmmaker was once heralded as the heir to Terrence Malick with his first four films: “George Washington,” “All the Real Girls,” “Undertow” and “Snow Angels.” Some of Green’s other “indie” films include “Prince Avalanche” and “Joe.” The late Roger Ebert was also a major fan of his.