A Texas Tale of Treason

watch this movie. it's truly a good ride through the difficulties of making a indie movie, and what happens when it blows up in the film maker's face. there's a lot of stuff about punk rock, and the philosophy behind that movement and it's relationship to this project. so if you're into old punk, American punk, you'll dig it.... but, beware, there's a ton of bad acting bits from the failed project that are incorporated... yet they do come off funny at times. and, actually, some of the best parts are listening to people who have never been involved in movie making pontificate and what they went through in the three year period that it took to put this together. so anyone out there that's about to make a film, especially if you haven't been to film school or worked in the field, you should watch this and learn from the film maker's mistakes.

I viewed this movie at the Magnolia Theater in Dallas a couple of days ago. Punk! Everyone and everything involved in the movie added to the punkiness of it. The music, well of course. But the movie itself captured the whole punk genre. Even a grandmother and school teacher (me) can appreciate artists who are able to turn their ideas into reality (well, reality, film-wise). This movie takes a handful of ticked-off young film makers and clearly and cleverly shows the "why" of their angst over not being given the green light on finishing the Waldo film. The (relatively) happy girl gave good comic relief, a nice respite from the continual (but understandable) ragging on the dude who left them in a lurch. Gotta love Stu, though. And be sure to watch/read the credits - they're the icing on the cake!

So, the plug was pulled on "Waldo's Hawaiian Holiday" due to lack of support and conflict with The Writer. Right? It's over. Two years of work down the drain. Right? Nope. Not the way punks do it! Make something rise from the ashes...that's what you do, and that's what Stuart Kinkaid and the crew down in Texas went about doing.

I have just finished up the "A Texas Tale Of Treason" for the 2nd time. I'm impressed. I am energized by the spirit of the cast and crew. I am happy to know the whole story behind what was to be the sequel to "Repo Man". There is a story here. The story is well told and flows just the same. It's all there for everyone to see and hear.

While viewing this film, pay close attention to the Rhythm Pigs front man Ed Ivey. Ed has a profound roll in the this film. Words of wisdom are given by Ivey....see if you can catch those words and takem' to heart! Witness the pure drive these people have to get things going and stick to it. In my mind, the crew doing this film have much in common with such legendary record labels like SST or Dischord, and hard touring acts from the old days like Black Flag, Rhythm Pigs, Minutemen..on and on.......This film is a result of that old punk attitude at work in these days of apathetic America.

Also...the film sports some great music from many independent artists. The music played throughout the film make up one helluva soundtrack that would fit right into my collection!

AGAIN... this film gives folks a glimpse of the old timey punk rock drive and attitude that you don't see so much anymore, but people like Stuart Kinkaid and his crew are willing to share it with you! Support the effort these people put out and check out the film for yourself. As Cosby tends to say, "If you're not careful, you just might learn something"....or something like that!

I found this to be an entertaining account of the challenges an independent film maker might encounter (something I never even thought about). The film managed to keep my interest the entire time and I actually laughed out loud more than once! I'm not a film maker so I know nothing about the technology but I though it was well edited and flowed smoothly telling the story. As a disclaimer, I contributed to this effort after the fact providing music for the soundtrack but I was not involved in the creation of this film and I could not tell you a thing about Repo Man except that I remembered seeing it way back when (I'm not really a sci-fi fiend). I enjoyed the comparisons the film made of punk rock file making to punk rock music. My wife went with me to see the film and she did not know a thing about it before hand and we had a great time.

This film would be particularly fun for anyone who has been in the film industry, especially in any indie capacity... those whose inheritance includes a film introduction may not appreciate it quite as much. I am hard to please in the documentary category. This doc is different though- its pleasure comes from an earthy realism of indie filmmaker punks who are a hoot to be around and watch. Whether you've ever wondered what it is like to be in films, in front of or behind the camera, or whether you have worked your way through the sometimes painful and hard but rewarding indie world, you'll certainly get a kick out of this film.