Durant's Never Closes

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.

Travis Mills did an amazing job directing this film. He is talented and insightful. Tom Sizemore plays a legendary restaurater, ladies man with ties to the mafia. He seems to easily fit easily into the era. His rough around the edges character does not tend to be likable. Yet, you feel for him in his scene with his ex-wife, even though he causes his own downfall. A great performance. The cinematography by Nicholas Fornwalt is outstanding!

Yes, I like Tom Sizemore, that being said I thought this film showed his prowess as an actor. It is a slice of America, a story that is complex and yet simple. Was Durant a bad man, maybe, was he a good man, maybe, just as we all are viewed as such. Travis put together a good cast to make this story work and interesting. I drove from Indy to Detroit to see this film and visit with friends, worth my time and money. There are moments you are waiting for some answers to questions and yet more questions are asked you didn't even know needed asked. Then you are let into a person who was real and Sizemore made you want to know the man.. yes see this film

This movie is a combination of a good theatre 🎭 + cinema 🎥. The director has combined both in one.

I promise to keep my review short for you the reader. I am not writing this as an audition for a film critic position or to somehow show off my writing skills. I am writing this to let the audience know that I enjoyed "Durant's Never Closes," an Independent film starring Tom Sizemore shot by Travis Mills & Running Wild Films.

Yes, I am a Tom Sizemore fan, and if you are as well, you will not be disappointed. I have also seen other projects of Mr. Mills, and as usual, he always does great work.

The film takes you into a part of Jack Durant's life as owner of the famous Phoenix restaurant Durant's. And while you cannot fit everything into a feature film, this film does a great job of bringing the human quality to Jack Durant, letting you not only see his tough guy bravado, but his weaknesses as well.

I would highly recommend this film to film fans. Hats off to Tom Sizemore, Travis Mills & the whole Running Wild Films team!!