ART OF A HIT
A has-been rock band heads to the middle of the French countryside to record an album. With a new member and a warning from a local bartender, the group arrives at a castle to meet a mysterious guru producer. As the days pass and secrets spill, things get complicated. ART OF A HIT is not what you’re expecting.
The location is a breathtaking French chateau. Director Gaelan Draper utilizes classic tropes, like empty door frames in the background, to build tension. We also experience scenes through Matt’s video camera lens. That slight variation does not disappoint.
Draper subtly establishes the period with fashion and technology. The quick-take editing, particularly the drug-addled scenes, is hypnotic thanks to cinematographer Joe Simon‘s angles and augmented lighting choices. ART OF A HIT has all the elements of greatness.
The cast has electric chemistry. Allie MacDonald (Stage Fright) gives drummer Cristin seemingly effortlessly snark. David Valdes is the overzealous newbie bassist and music nerd. His energy is a fantastic counter to the OG members’ attitudes.
James Earl plays the hilarious and tragically lovelorn keyboardist, Mat. Earl, like MacDonald, brings the laughs. Tim Jo is cynical lead guitarist Timmy. He is everything you need him to be.
Charlie Saxton gives our producer an eccentricity you will want to punch and heedlessly follow. Saxton avoids a caricature he could have easily trapped himself inside. Saxton co-writes the script with Draper and is a real highlight in this talented cast.
Ryan Donowho (Trim Season) is frontman Ryan. His real-life musical background screams off the screen. Donowho’s performance of Jets to Brazil‘s ART OF A HIT tracks makes me want to run out and buy the soundtrack. It’s got a genuine Dashboard Confessional vibe. Ryan’s heavy dread keeps the audience in an off-kilter headspace from start to finish. His range is a dream.
ART OF A HIT cleverly tackles fame, artistry, and relevance. This musical thriller distorts reality, constantly teasing physical and mental danger that feels scarier than any horror aspect. Boasting a finale that has you questioning everything, ART OF A HIT is the visual and storytelling equivalent of an earworm.
ART OF A HIT stars Ryan Donowho (THE O.C.), Charlie Saxton (HBO’s HUNG), Tim Jo (THIS IS US), Rob Raco (RIVERDALE), James Earl (Hulu’s WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP), Allie MacDonald (WHAT/IF), and David Valdes (LAST THE NIGHT) in this chilling vision of a rock band who saw soaring heights of success in the late 90s, but are now haunted by irrelevance.
Directed by Gaelan Draper, the film was co-written and produced by Charlie Saxton and Draper, was shot on-location in Dordogne, France and features an original soundtrack with music by indie rock band Jets to Brazil.
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