Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and More in This Dark Indie Gem

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MOVIE REVIEW
Don's Plum
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2001
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): R.D. Robb
Writer(s): Bethany Ashton Wolf, Tawd Beckman, R.D. Robb, David Stutman (based in part on the play "The Saturday Night Club") David Stutman, Dale Wheatley
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Kevin Connolly, Scott Bloom, Jenny Lewis, Amber Benson, Heather McComb, Meadow Sisto, Marissa Ribisi, Nikki Cox, Jeremy Sisto, Ethan Suplee
Where To Watch: head over to www.freedonsplum.com to learn more

RAVING REVIEW: I recently uncovered a captivating indie gem called DON'S PLUM. This little-known film boasts one of the most impressive indie casts I’ve ever seen; more amazing is that for most of the cast, this was before they “hit it big.” This film has a long and storied history that I’m not going to dive into here; if you want to learn more about it and know why you’ve likely never heard of a film with this cast, visit www.freedonsplum.com to learn more.

The film is graced with a stellar cast, including two huge Hollywood names in roles you aren’t used to seeing them in. The dialogue in DON'S PLUM is its biggest weakness, maybe because too many writers were involved or actors hadn’t gotten their footing yet. At the same time, the film finds this unique blend of intentional and unintentional humor that adds to its charm.

Centered on a group of individuals gathered at a diner, “Don’s Plum,” the film explores the intricacies of their relationships. The film's candid honesty is probably one of the biggest things it has going for it, sure there were some issues with the writing, and the cast may have felt stiff at times. Still, there was something so guttural about it; it felt like looking into this alternate universe where we get to peek into the lives of these unknowns. I would love to see if there was an original film negative of this; while it may never see the light of day in the US or Canada, I think it’s an integral part of film history that deserves to be preserved.

This indie gem is a must-watch for those who value risks. This experience is more than just the film itself or the story behind it; it's a perfect storm. With its simple plot, DON'S PLUM avoids the conflict of what so many films aim to do; it focuses more on the human aspect and makes the film feel more like an experience you’re part of. The film examines friendship, loyalty, morality, and introspection, prompting viewers to reflect on their lives and connections.

The black and white cinematography makes the film feel almost surreal at times, more like you’re watching a dream unfold than a movie. DON'S PLUM, at its heart, is a character study that looks at the history of these actors, who were anything but household names at that point in time.

Despite the controversies and legal obstacles surrounding its distribution in North America, DON'S PLUM delivers a unique experience I’m thrilled to have gotten to check out. Although it may not cater to everyone's preferences, it presents an alternative viewpoint on youth and relationships compared to typical genre offerings.

In summary, DON'S PLUM is an atypical and flawed indie movie that provides gives us a glimpse into the lives of a group of friends and their relationships. Its odd performances, impromptu dialogues, and real-world portrayal of young adults forge a distinctive cinematic experience. DON'S PLUM could be an ideal choice for those seeking a departure from mainstream cinema.

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[photo courtesy of WWW.FREEDONSPLUM.COM]