Garage Days

Director: Alex Proyas
Screenwriters: Alex Proyas, Michael Udesky, Dave Warner

Institute History

  • 2003 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Alex Proyas, best known for his dark Gothic tales, The Crow and Dark City, uses his distinct visual style to fashion a decidedly upbeat and energetic film about dreams, relationships, and rock bands. He manages to add depth to a lighthearted romp with sinister details, both visually and thematically.

Freddy works in a record shop but dreams of being a rock star. His band consists of his bass-playing girlfriend Tanya; Mohawk-sporting, drug-loving drummer Lucy; and brooding guitarist Joe. With the help/hindrance of their well-meaning but bumbling manager Bruno, they pin their hopes on impressing sleazy but powerful record exec Shad Kern. Meanwhile, Joe's girlfriend discovers she's pregnant just as a sparks ignite between her and Freddy, as well as between Tanya and Lucy, which complicates everything.

Energized by digital effects and stylistic flourishes, like a raindrop falling in slow motion before bouncing on the ground, or a melon that screams "father" as it hurtles to its untimely demise, Garage Days is a crazy, cool ride with a great soundtrack. Strong performances lend humanity to the comic-book world. Proyas subverts expectations while remaining true to the heart of the genre and celebrates the moral that "you don't have to be a rock star to feel like one."

— Trevor Groth

Screening Details

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