Old Joy

I am very excited to plug the release of Old Joy, a film by Kelly Reichart, based on a short story written by Portland's own Jonathan Raymond. Both Kelly and Jon are good friends, and big fans of our Work, so it felt very natural when Kelly asked if we might collaborate on a project. The idea was simple--while the film was being shot, we would make food, which the cast and crew would then eat for meals. It was a radical method, but one that worked simply because...people need to eat. I was thrilled to work so closely with Kelly and I like to think that our halibut provencal and strawberry-rhubarb pie contributed something to the film's search for meaning and authenticity in a disconnected world.

In addition to the catering, I also had the honor of playing a truck stop waitress. Our day of shooting at the Linnton Cafe on Highway 30 towards Skamania was one of the highlights of 2005 for me. For a few short hours, I got to shed my role as "authority figure" and actually follow someone else's directions. Switching from helping 4 customers at once to a focusing on one single effort (standing on my mark at a precise angle that would keep my left breast from taking over the whole shot) was difficult, but exhilierating. And working with Will Oldham and Daniel London was just a total thrill. Even if my acting did not impress them, I believe I scored some points with banana pudding.
If you're in Portland, please come see the film at Cinema 21, premiering on Friday August 25th. If you live elsewhere, check out the playdates at the website. And look for Half & Half in the credits!!!!