Durant's Never Closes

Durant's takes a complicated man and makes an adventure of a film. A prolific graduate of Arizona State University's film school, Travis Mills has brought a piece of Arizona history to the screen with daring independent filmmaking. It's not always easy to tell where/when we are, but the film manages to find pivotal scenes of this man's life. It turns out that Jack Durant was an Arizona legend for good reason. As we move from moment to moment around his life, Tom Sizemore shows us the good, the bad and the ugly of Jack Durant, a figure bigger than life, but Michelle Stafford's performance is the one to watch. Peter Bogdonavich also makes an appearance. Definitely worth a look!

DURANT'S NEVER CLOSES is an ambitious step forward for prolific director Travis Mills. The film is wholly unapologetic about its nonlinear narrative and doesn't hold its viewers hand through difficult terrain. It is no small feat that (despite a few amateur performances and at least one extended take that tries the viewer's patience something fierce) I have found the film more rewarding through each subsequent viewing.

I'm often skeptical of films we're told demand revisitation. Experience has shown me they often are bloated with self-importance, tout style over substance, and try to be the smartest kid in the room. Despite its unconventional biopic, DURANT'S NEVER CLOSES is never guilty of these sins. It is a psychologically character- driven piece reminiscent of the classical Hollywood style both technically and visually (part of the reason, I'd like to imagine, Peter Bogdanovich chose to be involved). If its narrative feels opaque at times, it is a product of a young director's overreach—one who admirably errs on the side of concision rather than artifice.

It's a delight to watch trainwreck and all-around pain-in-the-ass Tom Sizemore chew the scenery here. He dominates nearly every shot of the picture with largely-improvised, curse-laden rants which help establish the film's tight pace. Michelle Stafford delivers a performance of effecting gravitas in the film's best sequence and Jon Gries's melancholic humor makes the most of his limited screen time.

DURANT'S NEVER CLOSES personifies Mills's auteur thesis of creating Arizona-based films by an Arizona-based company. The Hollywood talent elevates the product, but the vision is unsullied. Mills may just be the Joseph H. Lewis of Phoenix and DURANT'S NEVER CLOSES boosts his brand.

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.

Director Travis Mills built a strong story around the infamous Jack Durant, owner/operator of his famous eatery in Phoenix, Arizona––Durant's.The restaurant has continued after Durant's passing and leaving it to his dog in his will. Durant's explosive nature was legendary. His public and personal relationships existed daily at the end of Durant's short fuse. Most believed he had ties to organized crime. The essence of Jack Durant was superbly captured and performed by Tom Sizemore and was drawn out and captured on film by director Mills. Durant's Never Closes is an Indie film, made by Indie filmmakers who put their hearts and souls into giving you a great, entertaining film. Highly recommended.

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!