There is a lot of talk these days about how Hollywood has lost its edge, how it makes films by committee, using proved formulas (sequels) for world audiences. All this is true. But this does not mean you should go running to the nearest indie production and pretend that, just because it is indie, it is anti-Hollywood, and therefore worthy of praise. There is a reason indie is indie. Ninety nine times out of 100, it is horrible, wretched, and just plain wrong. Ninety nine times out of 100, indie should be second choice, as in, would you rather have a root canal or watch.... There are exceptions. Look at The Battery, not merely a great indie, but arguably one of the best films of the current decade. The brilliant Jeremy Gardner (talking about The Battery here, don't lose me) wrote a script so tight it squeaks, directed it so well that even the scenery is interesting, and plays the lead so well the film has already won several audience awards at festivals. The Battery is the 1 in 100 that breaks the mold. BRAWLER is the other 99%, rolled into one. Brawler typifies indie junk. Weak script, weak direction, and actors who -- you just know -- have a day job that probably involves making change. Brawler uses "film lipstick" wherever possible (loud noises, an overloud sound track, and fast cutting) to hide what it really is. But nothing can hide what it really is. It is indie. Ugh.
