Honeydripper

Country:	USA
Language:	English
Duration:	123 minutes
Distributor:	Rezo Films International
Director:	John Sayles
Starring:	Danny Glover / Charles S. Dutton / Lisa Gay Hamilton / Gary Clark Jr.
Genre:	Drama

Iconoclastic filmmaker John Sayles continues his examination of the complexities and shifting identities of American sub-cultures in this fable about the birth of rock ’n’ roll.

It’s 1950 in Harmony, Alabama and Tyrone Purvis (Danny Glover), boogie-woogie piano player and owner of the Honeydripper Lounge, is struggling to make ends meet. He owes almost everyone in town and is feeling the heat from the bar down the road and its jukebox blasting the new sounds. Desperate to bring the crowds back to his joint, he comes up with a plan to risk it all on a one-night gig by famous guitar player Guitar Sam.

Off the next train hops Sonny Blake (Gary Clark Jr.), a young man with big dreams and a guitar with no hole in it. Tyrone sends him packing and he is arrested for vagrancy and rented out as a cotton picker. But when Guitar Sam fails to show up, Sonny and his electric guitar are Tyrone’s only hope of success. The stage is set for a night they’ll never forget …

What the Critics say!

“Drenched in atmosphere and dripping with rhythm, John Sayles’ 16th feature film will have you rockin’ in the aisles. “…one of Sayles’ best films”
John Anderson – variety.com

“All of the musical performers with the exception of Glover are actual musicians and the level of authenticity elevates the film.”
Kevin Crust – Los Angeles Times

“…universally strong performances” Jason Korsner – UKscreen

“Rich with characters and flowing with music” Roger Ebert – Chicago Sun-Times

WINNER: Best Screenplay – San Sebastian International Film Festival 2007

WINNER: Image Award for Outstanding Independent or Foreign Film – Image Awards 2008