Independent films, while not considered mainstream blockbusters, allows for talented writers,
directors and stars to break free from typical high-action to explore a more creative, insightful way of storytelling that is more realistic. Produced, written and directed by Joe Swanberg, Digging for Fire is a metaphor for not only a mystery that is uncovered, but also what happens when a married couple goes their separate ways for a weekend.
Tim, played by Jake Johnson (New Girl, Jurassic World) who also produces and co-wrote the screenplay with Swanberg, and Lee (Rosemarie Dewitt), appear to have everything they could possibly want. They have an adorable son and although there is a bit of noticeable tension between them, for the most part it seems their marriage is a happy one. However, it's immediately hinted that Tim and Lee may be having martial problems, based on Lee's feeling that she is the 'bad guy' after having to scold their son and Tim's lack of responsibility where taxes are concerned. The couple are tasked with house-sitting a friend's home in Los Angeles for the weekend and although Tim's time is supposed to involve doing dreaded taxes, things get interesting when he finds an old gun and a human bone while doing some yard work. Of course he's intrigued and wants to investigate further, see what else can be found, but Lee is totally against this venture. This begins a journey of self-discovery for Tim.
Meanwhile, Lee has made plans to take their son (Jude Swanberg) to visit her parents (played by legendary actors Judith Light and Sam Elliott) for the weekend, leaving Tim to fend for himself. Lee's discontent is revealed further after a conversation with her mother where it's abundantly clear they do not see eye to eye regarding private school versus public, since Tim is a public school teacher and doesn't want to borrow the money from his in-laws. Both Tim and Lee appear to be struggling within, which is what I sensed most as the film continues.
Stars of the film, Jake Johnson and Rosemarie Dewitt took time out of their busy schedules to chat with journalists during a roundtable discussion about the film.
The film is based on a true story, in that Johnson did actually find items similar in the film on his property. Swanberg and Johnson knew they wanted to include it in the script, but after outlining it they realized the movie wasn't just going to be about Tim's mystery. They also wanted Tim's wife, Lee to have a story. In casting Lee, Johnson and Swanberg not only needed to find an actor for the role, but also someone who could help write it. This led them to Dewitt, who talks about the challenges she faced in helping to create her character.
"[It's] hard to break a story and come up with the deets (details) and I was having mental gymnastics trying to figure out what comes next. The words are yours but they did all the hard work. Then they surrounded us with phenomenal actors, all of whom could be the lead of the movie."
There are several appearances by stars throughout the film, including legendary actors Judith Light, Sam Elliot, Anna Kendrick, Chris Messina, Brie Larson and Mike Birbiglia to name a few. Johnson explains that Swanberg wanted it to feel like a Hollywood movie so got to work calling and texting those on his wish list. Since the film only took 15 days to shoot and the actors would only be needed for one or two days, plus the fact it was during the summer, most were available. He adds, "The way this one was cast, we knew we wanted to do this movie and Joe wanted it to feel like an L.A. movie. So part of that is celebrity faces. Everywhere you go, [in scenes] there's a face you kind of know from somewhere."
One of the biggest gets was Orlando Bloom (LOTR, The Hobbit, Pirates of the Carribean). Though the role is small compared to the big blockbuster, action-packed thrillers he usually does, it's great to see him doing an Independent film. Johnson and Swanberg were thrilled when Bloom agreed to the small role, which Johnson adds, "he really shines in it." I'll have to agree with him on that!
Dewitt's character Lee is a wife, mother and equal partner with Tim. However clearly feels a bit trapped to a certain extent, as life and responsibilities take center stage. She has high hopes of a 'girls night' during her weekend away from Tim, but things don't exactly work out the way she expected. Of course what do you do when you meet a handsome, dangerous, charming stranger who comes to your rescue? Will Lee go down the path of infidelity? When Bloom enters the picture it's no surprise there is a an immediate attraction between them. Dewitt describes that some of her scenes with Bloom were cut because they didn't want the audience to "go down that rabbit hole" too far.
In writing the screenplay, for Johnson, it was important that it depict how tough marriage
can be. "It's an interesting time when you start having kids and get married. It's the 'yes dear mentality'. You want to party, you definitely are allowed to, but when you party with your buddies you want to talk about your kids." He adds that most guys miss being able to party like in their twenties with your buddies all the time.
One of the best things about Independent films, is that there are no restrictions on what you can create. There's no pesky rating issues to contend with. So when Tim's party amps up after a couple of hot twenty-something girls and his friend Billy (played by Messina) arrives, the party is taken to a whole new level when Billy not only drops a line of cocaine, but also drops his drawers in a full-frontal skinny dipping moment! So was this written in the script? Johnson explains no. Actually while chatting about the film having a few drinks in a bar, it was Messina that brought up the idea. Though Johnson and Swanberg thought he was joking, while filming he told them he was going to do it...and did!
As the film progresses, opportunities to stray from their marriage vows arise and trust is tested. Larson plays Max, one of the young girls who shows up to the party with Billy. Interestingly, Johnson reveals that originally he and Swanberg had the role of Max described as a girl who has a crush on Tim and there is sexual tension between them. Dewitt is quick to jump in and say that Brie wasn't having it! Apparently she told Johnson that Max 'would never be interested in a guy that is married with a child, but would be attracted to the weird adventure to dig for a body', nor would she want to sleep with a married man who has a kid. I love that Larson wasn't afraid to tell Johnson and Swanberg their little guy fantasy wasn't going to happen. It also clearly shows how different men and women think!
Johnson describes the movie is character-driven, it is a little slower than other flicks. "This is a smaller movie, it's a character piece, it's slower so I think people who like movies that are character studies" will like it. He knows that while there is a huge net of viewers out there, he hopes that they can catch a portion of that net and an audience that can relate to it. Interestingly one of the journalists mentioned he had screened the film with his wife and it resonated with both of them. That's all Johnson and Swanberg want. At the end of the day, Johnson feels he does movies to entertain people. "Really more than anything, rather than a lesson, I want people not to have regretted taking an hour and a half out of their life. Truthfully though, if you watch it on Video On Demand, or go to a theater, I want to have made their night enjoyable. We wanted to tell a story that was ideally something that was fun to watch, kept you in it, characters you can relate to and think were real, and a story that ends in a way that you feel satisfied."
This was an 'Official Pick' at the coveted Sundance Film Festival and for those who love layered characters, watching performances by some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, I'd recommend it with a solid B+. Overall, while the film does take a little bit of time to rev up, Johnson and Dewitt definitely breathe a dose of reality into their characters. There's a raw honesty in the performances. I think the audience in similar situations can relate to it. It's a realistic view of the ups and downs within a marriage, how everyday responsibilities begin to overshadow ones self and the individual journeys Tim and Lee take in learning more about themselves. Will they find their way back to each other or decide to go their separate ways? You'll have to watch to find out!
Digging for Fire is set to open in Los Angeles, Friday, August 21 and will also be released at the IFC Center, New York and Music Box Theater in Chicago, IL. On August 28, the film will be released in theaters across the country, including Boston, D.C., San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Minneapolis, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Diego and Cleveland. Check your local listings for theaters and times.
The film will also be available on Video On Demand August 25. Watch the trailer:
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