Off the Map (2003)
Amy Brenneman, Boots Southern, J.D. Garfield, J.D. Hawkins, J.K. Simmons ... (see more) , Jim True-Frost , Joan Allen , Kathy Griego , Matthew E. Montoya , Sam Elliott , Timothy Martinez , Valentina de Angelis , William Hart McNicholas
Bo is a young girl, living in rural New Mexico, who yearns to feel a connection to the world she perceives as beginning outside the lines of her tiny town. Her father is depressed; her mother is the archetype of an earth mother. Bo meanwhile writes to various snack-cake manufacturers describing the ... (read more) Bo is a young girl, living in rural New Mexico, who yearns to feel a connection to the world she perceives as beginning outside the lines of her tiny town. Her father is depressed; her mother is the archetype of an earth mother. Bo meanwhile writes to various snack-cake manufacturers describing the ailments their products have given her and requesting replacements. But the family grows its own food and has a stockpile of firewood that will last years. That sets the stage for the visit from the IRS, sent to see why the family hasn't filed any income taxes.
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PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed by:
Campbell Scott
Release Date: Jan 22, 2003
DVD Release Date: Aug 09, 2005
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Thought-provoking, visually enticing, and even - who'd have thought? - inspiring. Thoughtful but not overthought exploration of the idea that sometimes we're most a part of this world when we cut ourselves off from the systems that drive it.
Added ... (read more) Thought-provoking, visually enticing, and even - who'd have thought? - inspiring. Thoughtful but not overthought exploration of the idea that sometimes we're most a part of this world when we cut ourselves off from the systems that drive it.
Added bonus: J.K. Simmons proving he's a darned good actor capable of playing roles very different from his typical "asshole boss" bit.
A lovely reminder that Joan Allen is still an under-rated and extraordinary actress.
This movie is a gem. There is great chemistry among the actors. The young girl is simply marvelous. The story is great, the characters are simple but have a beautiful complexity, and the scenery is wonderful. I really liked this film and it was worth... (read more) This movie is a gem. There is great chemistry among the actors. The young girl is simply marvelous. The story is great, the characters are simple but have a beautiful complexity, and the scenery is wonderful. I really liked this film and it was worth all the $2.50 rental fee. I wish I could have seen in in theaters.
A sweet movie about depression. I loved it. And the girl, wow! She was amazing.
A fascinating character study about lives intersecting the wilds of New Mexico during the early seventies. An undiscovered gem of a movie that needs to be seen...
Very sweet and low key. The characters were likable and interesting without being too self-consciously "quirky". Joan Allen is wonderful.
And gorgeous New Mexico scenery by the great Spanish cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchia. There is a remarkable ... (read more) Very sweet and low key. The characters were likable and interesting without being too self-consciously "quirky". Joan Allen is wonderful.
And gorgeous New Mexico scenery by the great Spanish cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchia. There is a remarkable montage late in the film where a character stands motionless for ... Read Morehours and simply watches the light and color change across the sky and mountain view as the sun sets into night. Incredible colors. Anchia is on of the best color photographers in movies. Also see his beautiful work in "At Close Range", "Glengarry Glen Ross", and "A Far Off Place".
Critic Ty Burr had a good line about Off the Map that describes it well:
"...if you've ever stood under a night sky and felt the earth turning beneath you -- and felt insignificant and elated at the same time -- [director] Campbell Scott has your number."
this is a charming tale set in one of my favorite places...New mexico. also an affirmation that one day i too, want to live off the grid
Sam Eliott definitely deserves meniton here. Here, I actually kind of like Amy Brenneman, too.
I was dazzled by Juan Ruiz Anchia's cinematography in this simple and poetic film. Pleasantly surprised by Campbell Scott's directorial effort. Another fantastic performance by Joan Allen.
this warm desert story is a celebration of the unconventional. i'd watch anything with allen twice, but this one especially
Critic Reviews
Its story meanders and doesn't build, and the pace is deadly, dictated by the rhythms of deep-feeling actors and not by a director with an urgent interest in the narrative. Then again, what narrative?full review
If you've ever stood under a night sky and felt the earth turning beneath you -- and felt insignificant and elated at the same time -- Campbell Scott has your number.full review
The quietly eccentric characters in "Off The Map" come off as genuine, fascinating, and extremely likeable people.full review
In a stealthy and touching way, it shows how people can work on one another.full review
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