Greendale (2003)

Director:

Neil Young

Writer:

Neil Young (writer)

Genre:

Musical | Drama

Plot:

A musical look at the lives and struggles of people in the small fictional town called Greendale.

Plot Keywords:

Kitchen | Father Son Relationship | Family Relationships | Newspaper Headline | Bar

Cast

Sarah White	...	Sun Green
Eric Johnson	...	Jed Green / Devil
Ben Keith	...	Grandpa Green
Erik Markegard	...	Earth Brown
Elizabeth Keith	...	Grandma Green
Pegi Young	...	Edith Green
James Mazzeo	...	Earl Green
Paul Supplee	...	Officer Carmichael
Sydney Stephan	...	Widow
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Adam Donkin	...	Imitator (as Echobrain)
Dylan Donkin	...	Imitator (as Echobrain)
Brian Sagrafena	...	Imitator (as Echobrain)
Neil Young	...	Wayne Newton (as Bernard Shakey)

Also Known As:

Greendale: A Film by Neil Young (Australia) (DVD title)

Runtime:

87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Canada:E (Ontario) | Argentina:13

Company:

Shakey Pictures

Movie Connections:

References "Leave It to Beaver" (1957)

Consider your judging criteria

Watching Greendale brought to mind two other film experiences: Fellini movies and Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon". What does Greendale have in common with them? The viewing attitude that made me appreciate them. In younger days I had trouble understanding Fellini plots, until making a conscious decision to leave intellect out of it and just "experience" what I was watching. From that point on I became a huge Fellini fan. With Barry Lyndon, a friend had reported that the plot was tedious and boring. But another friend's comment motivated me to see it - he said that it was like viewing an endless stream of painting masterpieces. I saw Barry Lyndon with that attitude - and to this day it ranks as one of my favorite movies due to the visual (and audio) experience. (And I've completely forgotten the plot and the acting.)

I'm not comparing Neil Young to Fellini or Kubrick. And I have no argument with critics of Greendale's cinematic or acting qualities, other than to feel that they've missed the point. If you need to enjoy professional acting, don't pick a movie where the characters are amateurs and friends. If you're a fan of cinematic technique, don't compare Greendale to textbook rules. If you must have a traditional plot and story line, look elsewhere. And if you're not prepared to treat it as an "experience", you may be disappointed.

As for me, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience that has stayed with me for much longer than most other movies. Thank you, Neil.

(Postscript - I'm not qualified to buy into the debate as to whether being a Neil Young fan is a prerequisite to enjoying Greendale. He's been one of my favorite musicians for decades.)