*** 1/2 out of ****
The Canadian made Jackie Boy, winner of Best Director at the 2015 Ottawa Independent Video Awards, is making its United States debut at this year's New Orleans Film Festival, where it is also a Jury Finalist choice. The movie will screen at the festival twice: October 17 at 6:45pm at the Contemporary Arts Center and on October 19 at 7:30pm at the Theaters at Canal Place.
This dark drama, written and directed by Cody Campanale, explores the booze and drug-fueled days and nights of Jack (Alino Giraldi in a quiet, affecting performance) which usually involves a one-night stand. Jack can get any girl he wants and is able to humiliate them in any way he sees fit. His view of women begins to change when he meets the rather mysterious Jasmine (Shannon Coulter) who doesn't seem to easily fall for Jack's charms. Jack's friends, Kal (Edward Charette) and Tony (Andrew Di Rosa), feel that Jasmine is bad news. The movie builds to a shattering, violent climax that is reminiscent of and just as effective as the finale of Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver (1976).
Jackie Boy is a multi-layered story and Campanale injects the film with an escalating feeling of dread. Norman Orenstein's haunting musical score helps immeasurably. And the performances are top-notch. Not to be missed!
And you have two chances to see it at this year's New Orleans Film Fest. I would get your tickets now. Visit Jackie Boy's website at www.jackieboymovie.com
