"Twin Falls Idaho" is that rara avis in the world of film, a remarkably original work that offers a unique vision of humanity. The feature debut by the highly talented Polish brothers is artistically exciting and meticulously crafted, and one feels the filmmakers' intelligence behind every frame. The film, acquired at this year's Sundance Festival by Sony Pictures Classics, should do well in specialty markets, provided audiences don't recoil from the unusual subject matter.
The story tells of conjoined twins Blake and Francis Falls, played by filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish (who are twins but not conjoined). However, the film is anything but a freak show: "Twin Falls" is first and foremost a love story and then something of a romantic triangle.
The Polish brothers -- Michael directed the screenplay they wrote together -- have been fascinated by conjoined twins since at an early age they stumbled onto the story of original "Siamese twins" Chang and Eng Bunker, who were 19th century circus attractions. In "Twin Falls", they explore not only how such brothers bond and communicate but the themes of human identity and completeness.
What is it like to never be alone? How do you define who you are when you are two? Does one fantasize about being "single"?
Blake and Francis, 25, come to the city to search for the mother Lesley Ann Warren) who abandoned them early in life. Taking up residence in an incredibly seedy hotel, the two celebrate their birthday by ordering a prostitute. Penny -- played by wonderful newcomer Michele Hicks -- is, naturally, floored by their appearance.
Horrified, she flees but returns to retrieve her purse. She then yields to her curiosity and stays. She asks questions, runs errands and finds herself falling in love with Blake. She realizes that Francis is ill and being kept alive by his brother, whose strong heart does the pumping for both bodies.
Through Penny, the movie enters the twins' mysterious, private world. Her presence also acts as a catalyst in the brothers' relationship because, for once, someone has come between them. With her blossoming affection for Blake, Penny -- who has allowed her life to take a downward spiral since giving up her handicapped son -- feels a sense of worth re-enter her life.
The film contains several brilliant sequences, especially a Halloween party at which the twins discover that for this one night they can be seen as normal. An absolutely haunting ending brings home the universal need for love.
Although the film was shot in color, cinematographer M. David Mullen's lighting, Bic Owen's costumes and Warren Alan Young's decors strongly emphasize blacks and whites. This, along with a Depression-era flop house where Barton Fink would feel right at home, evokes a timeless world in which the story unfolds.
Despite an obviously limited budget, "Twin Falls" is a first-class production, right down to the incredible prosthetic attachment.
TWIN FALLS IDAHO
Sony Pictures Classics
Seattle Pacific Investments and Fresh Produce Co.
in association with Steven J. Wolfe and Sneak Preview Entertainment present a Rena Ronson production
Producers:Marshall Persinger, Rena Ronson, Steven J. Wolfe
Director:Michael Polish
Writers:Michael Polish, Mark Polish
Executive producer:Joyce Schweickert
Director of photography:M. David Mullen
Production designer:Warren Alan Young
Music:Stuart Matthewman
Costume designer:Bic Owen
Editor:Leo Trombetta
Color/stereo
Cast:
Blake Falls:Mark Polish
Francis Falls:Michael Polish
Penny:Michele Hicks
Francine:Lesley Ann Warren
Miles:Patrick Bauchau
Jay:Jon Gries
Jesus:Garrett Morris
Surgeon:William Katt
Running time -- 105 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
The story tells of conjoined twins Blake and Francis Falls, played by filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish (who are twins but not conjoined). However, the film is anything but a freak show: "Twin Falls" is first and foremost a love story and then something of a romantic triangle.
The Polish brothers -- Michael directed the screenplay they wrote together -- have been fascinated by conjoined twins since at an early age they stumbled onto the story of original "Siamese twins" Chang and Eng Bunker, who were 19th century circus attractions. In "Twin Falls", they explore not only how such brothers bond and communicate but the themes of human identity and completeness.
What is it like to never be alone? How do you define who you are when you are two? Does one fantasize about being "single"?
Blake and Francis, 25, come to the city to search for the mother Lesley Ann Warren) who abandoned them early in life. Taking up residence in an incredibly seedy hotel, the two celebrate their birthday by ordering a prostitute. Penny -- played by wonderful newcomer Michele Hicks -- is, naturally, floored by their appearance.
Horrified, she flees but returns to retrieve her purse. She then yields to her curiosity and stays. She asks questions, runs errands and finds herself falling in love with Blake. She realizes that Francis is ill and being kept alive by his brother, whose strong heart does the pumping for both bodies.
Through Penny, the movie enters the twins' mysterious, private world. Her presence also acts as a catalyst in the brothers' relationship because, for once, someone has come between them. With her blossoming affection for Blake, Penny -- who has allowed her life to take a downward spiral since giving up her handicapped son -- feels a sense of worth re-enter her life.
The film contains several brilliant sequences, especially a Halloween party at which the twins discover that for this one night they can be seen as normal. An absolutely haunting ending brings home the universal need for love.
Although the film was shot in color, cinematographer M. David Mullen's lighting, Bic Owen's costumes and Warren Alan Young's decors strongly emphasize blacks and whites. This, along with a Depression-era flop house where Barton Fink would feel right at home, evokes a timeless world in which the story unfolds.
Despite an obviously limited budget, "Twin Falls" is a first-class production, right down to the incredible prosthetic attachment.
TWIN FALLS IDAHO
Sony Pictures Classics
Seattle Pacific Investments and Fresh Produce Co.
in association with Steven J. Wolfe and Sneak Preview Entertainment present a Rena Ronson production
Producers:Marshall Persinger, Rena Ronson, Steven J. Wolfe
Director:Michael Polish
Writers:Michael Polish, Mark Polish
Executive producer:Joyce Schweickert
Director of photography:M. David Mullen
Production designer:Warren Alan Young
Music:Stuart Matthewman
Costume designer:Bic Owen
Editor:Leo Trombetta
Color/stereo
Cast:
Blake Falls:Mark Polish
Francis Falls:Michael Polish
Penny:Michele Hicks
Francine:Lesley Ann Warren
Miles:Patrick Bauchau
Jay:Jon Gries
Jesus:Garrett Morris
Surgeon:William Katt
Running time -- 105 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 7/29/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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