DIR: John SaylesSCR: John SaylesPROD: Maggie RenziDP: Dick PopeED: John SaylesPROD DES: Toby CorbettMUS: Mason DaringCAST: Danny Glover, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Yaya DaCosta, Charles S. Dutton, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Gary Clark Jr.Using a steamy blues soundtrack to tell the story of the birth of rock and roll, iconic independent filmmaker John Sayles' (RETURN TO SECACAUS SEVEN, PASSIONFISH) new film HONEYDRIPPERS is set in an Alabama juke joint in 1950, and is steeped in the miasma of the South. The film features an all-star cast including Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas, with newcomer Gary Clark Jr. making an impressive film debut. Noted musicians Keb' Mo' and Dr. Mable John also appear. Deep in debt to the liquor man, the chicken man and the landlord, Tyrone (Glover) is desperate to lure young migrant farmers and local Army recruits to his juke joint as a way to keep his business alive. When his efforts to get a famous electric guitar player to come play at the club go awry, he hatches a last ditch plan.Graceful filmmaking, strong seductive performances, vibrant musical numbers and gorgeous cinematography combine to create a profoundly sensual journey, visceral in its effect on the viewer. Sayles is firmly at the helm of this beautiful film that unfolds with sharp insight and dramatic flair. HONEYDRIPPERS is a stirring example of the power of cinema to enlighten as it defies the boundaries of culture and time.
