Rating of
3/4
Towelhead
Allison - wrote on 08/27/08
The name of the movie "Towelhead" has gotten criticism. So much so that the movie may be appearing under the title "Nothing is Private".
The movie was actually great. It takes place during the early nineties, when Saddam Hussein was feared by all during the Gulf War.
The characters are great. Writer/director Alan Ball (who gives most of the writing credit to the novelist) wrote so seamlessly.
Summer Bashil (the star) was fresh and new. That worked for her most of the time.
The story had incredible setup and payoff without seeming cheesy or didactic. The only reason why I don't rate it higher is because the beginning of the film seemed so flimsy. It made me very nervous. With a sick fascination I kept watching the movie, expecting it to fall apart at anytime. It really is a remarkable film. Alan Ball doesn't seem to be a director in every sense of the word. I felt he could have pushed the actors a bit more. However, with a limited shooting schedule and a budget of $8 million, he really did the best job that he could. It's just a pity he couldn't have gotten a little more money or time.
One final note: a woman complained about all the sex and dismissed the movie because of it. I have to say, that this is the same writer as American Beauty. Not only that, but it was from the innocent/naive point of view of a thirteen year old that gets taken advantage of. Her parents don't explain to her the facts of life, and it is only when they occur that she has to sort everything out herself. Finally, with others' help she does what she needs to do. It a sad, but redeeming, and empowering story.
