“I know I’m really lucky. I think I’m
really happy.” So declares Natalie (Natalie Picoe, pictured) in the opening
voiceover of Nosey Parker, John
O’Brien’s sweet slice of life. But even the most novice moviegoer will know
something is rotten in the State of Vermont (played here by itself, in all its
shameless autumnal glory).
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Natalie
and her inattentive husband Richard (Richard Snee) have just settled into a
mind-blowing hilltop home when they meet George (George Lyford, also pictured),
one of the listers (Vermontese for tax appraisers) who have popped in to assess
the place. Thirty-something Natalie eventually enlists 70-something George’s
help around the house, and an unlikely bond forms between the lonely big-city girl
and the no-nonsense farmer with the twinkly eyes.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย O’Brien
filmed Parker in Tunbridge, using
almost all nonprofessionals — the exceptions being Picoe and Snee — and
guiding his inexperienced players through some impressive improvisation. The
handheld camerawork makes you feel like you’re part of the cast, as well.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Sadly,
this film is George Lyford’s swan song — he passed away before filming was
completed, and O’Brien had to rethink his ending. The result is a lovely eulogy
to the man and his vanishing way of life.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย When
I spoke with John O’Brien, I realized I wouldn’t have much space to include our
conversation. “Don’t waste it on me,” he advised, with typical Yankee economy.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Please
take advantage of his presence at the Little Theatre on Monday, June 7. He’ll
be answering questions after the first evening show. Anyone who loves movies
will enjoy hearing him speak, and anyone aspiring to make movies would be
foolish to pass up this opportunity to learn from a truly independent
filmmaker. Nosey Parker opens Friday,
June 4. 232-3906
This article appears in Jun 2-8, 2004.
