SHOTGUN STORIES

Directed by Jeff Nichols
United States, 92 mins.
Drama
Sunday, 2:30 PM, Salem Cinema

Set against a backdrop of sun-drenched fields in a sleepy rural community of Southern Arkansas, Jeff Nichol’s feature debut Shotgun Stories encompasses a pensive and seething family feud that has been swirling just under the surface, ready to erupt into a boil. Son, Boy and Kid, three brothers brought up by a resentful mother after having been discarded as children by their alcoholic father, share a relaxed and easy bond with one another. They were raised to harbor a deep-rooted hatred for the man who abandoned them as well as for the second family that he reared after his recovery. In Michael Shannon’s stellar portrayal of the oldest brother, the protector and role model, the heavy animosity swelters on screen as a slow burn that is brilliantly captured in each simple movement and expression, in the delivery of every line. These are men striving to rise above their surroundings as we hold our breath and are carried along their journey.
Film Hosted by Salem Cinema Staff

Filmography: First Feature

Awards: Austin Film Festival Feature Film Award; Newport International Film Festival Student Jury Award; Seattle International Film Festival New American Cinema Award

www.shotgunstories.com

Showing with the short film
Drain
Directed by Stephen Krystek
United States, 10 mins.

Filmmaker Stephen Krystek In Attendance!

Lifelong friends, Gene and Lenny spend their days drifting through alleyways, begging for change and surviving on the streets. When an opportunity arises that could change both of their lives, Gene begins to doubt Lenny's methods of survival.

Stephen Krystek (Director of Drain)

Art has been in Stephen's life since birth. With painters, poets, and photographers from both sides of his family, it was not a surprise when he began drawing before he could walk. Encouraged and supported by his parents (selling their Phoenix Suns season tickets to put him in college) he honed his drawing skills and began his career in website development. He used the extra money from building websites to fund Krzystek Production's first film, Not Quite Dead and continues to build websites to fund future ventures.