Film Forum

Two friends in their 30s, played by alt-country singer/songwriter Will Oldham and Daniel London, embark on a camping trip in the majestic Cascade mountains near Portland, Oregon. One is on the verge of fatherhood, the other, more mysterious, has no strings attached. The trajectory of their relationship in the context of post-9/11 America, surrounded by gorgeous wilderness, makes for a minimalist yet powerful tale of friendship and alienation. With original music by Yo La Tengo. The soundtrack will be available for the first time on vinyl at Film Forum concessions.

2006     76 MIN.     JANUS FILMS

OLD JOY premiered at Film Forum on September 20, 2006, originally programmed by Karen Cooper and Mike Maggiore. 

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Reviews

“A triumph of modesty and seriousness that also happens to be one of the finest American films of the year… Working with her cinematographer, Peter Sillen, she (Reichardt) offers up a world of enchantments…”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“Quietly gripping. Rapturously received at festivals. It visualizes an enormously moving Eden that can’t last forever. The film’s beauty comes from its emotional precision and subtle development. Reichardt’s thorough examination of men’s bonds will resonate long after you leave the forest.”
– Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out (New York)

“OLD JOY has a radiant Zen simplicity. We learn exactly who these men are, witness the delicate rituals of male bonding, and feel the ache of passing time and cooling affection. Quietly heartbreaking, Reichardt’s elegy to friendship may be small in scale… but it is huge in accomplishment.”
– John Powers, Vogue