Del Shores, the creative genius behind the wickedly funny Sordid Lives movie and TV series, has a dark side, too.
Or should we say, a black-and-blue side.
In Blues for Willadean, the film adaptation of his heart-wrenching play, The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife, domestic violence takes center stage. And it may be a little difficult for some fans of his comedic works to handle.
That’s not to say that in the hands of Octavia Spencer, Beth Grant and Dale Dickey there aren’t moments of genuine humor to lighten the mood.
But the subject matter is deeply disturbing, and though it veers toward a rather predictable conclusion, this is a film all about the performances, memorable Southern-fried dialogue and the quirky observations and details of Texas life that only Shores would flesh out so beautifully.
Tonight and tomorrow, you can even attend Q&A sessions with the director and various other people associated with this film and other productions.
We love anything Del Shores touches (especially if it’s inappropriate), but it’s a nice change of pace to find ourselves deep in the darkest recesses of his mind.
Somewhere in there, Leslie Jordan is dancing an evil little jig.
Blues for Willadean
Opens today at Angelika Film Center Dallas
5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
(214) 841-4713
www.angelikafilmcenter.com
Advance tickets available at www.fandango.com
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