Mini-Review: Towelhead

Towelhead
Directed by Alan Ball
Released September 12, 2008

Alan Ball has a wonderful creative mind, as the screenwriter of “American Beauty” and creator of HBO’s hit TV series “Six Feet Under” and “True Blood.” While it’s too serious to be as gruesomely enjoyable as his previous projects, “Towelhead” still contains a fair amount of the wit and sarcastic tone that Ball always employs. This time, he’s adapting from a novel, and the result is a success. It’s a well-made but thoroughly disturbing film with some terrific performances from debut lead actress Summer Bishil and “Six Feet Under” alumnus Peter Macdissi. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re willing to take a trip to dark, dark comedy and experience this troubling film, go for it.

B+

Further reading: Take a look at my feature article from The Washington Square News on the film, including interviews with Alan Ball, Summer Bishil, and Peter Macdissi.