IMDb > Nothing Is Private (2007)
Nothing Is Private
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Nothing Is Private (2007) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 41 | slideshow) Videos (see all 11)
Nothing Is Private (2007) -- This is the theatrical trailer for Towelhead, directed by Alan Ball.
Nothing Is Private (2007) -- Clip: Mexican Restaurant
Nothing Is Private (2007) -- A young Arab-American girl struggles with her sexual obsession, a bigoted Army reservist and her strict father during the Gulf War. Based on Alicia Erian's novel "Towelhead".
Nothing Is Private (2007) -- AZMovies - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   4,430 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 10% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Alan Ball (screenplay)
Alicia Erian (novel)
Contact:
View company contact information for Towelhead on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
26 September 2008 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
How Can You Find Yourself if No One Can See You? more
Plot:
A young Arab-American girl struggles with her sexual obsession, a bigoted Army reservist and her strict father during the Gulf War. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
(47 articles)
Towelhead on DVD
 (From CanMag. 2 February 2009, 9:50 AM, PST)

/Filmcast Ep. 35 - Towelhead (Guest: Stephen Tobolowsky)
 (From Slash Film. 27 January 2009, 7:52 PM, PST)

User Comments:
Jaw Dropping! more (43 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Towelhead (Australia) (USA) (new title)
Untitled Alan Ball Project (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for strong disturbing sexual content and abuse involving a young teen, and for language.
Runtime:
USA:124 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
This film, based on the book Towelhead by Alicia Erian, debuted at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival with the non-controversial title Nothing is Private. However, after consultation with Erian and Warner Brothers, the filmmakers decided to release the movie in the United States and other countries with the same title as the book, obviously an ethnic slur. The title was met with controversy and protests from the Arab-American community. Some complained about the slur itself, others accused Warner Brothers of choosing a buzz-generating controversial title that was misleading since the story centers more on Jasira's sexual behavior than her ethnicity. This and other topics are discussed on the DVD's two panel discussions. more
Goofs:
Factual errors: Melina tells Jasira that an adult having sex with someone under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape. In Texas, however, that age is 17. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Barry: You're beautiful just the way you are, Jasira. Those other girls are just jealous because you're growing up faster than they are. And you're prettier than they are. Listen, don't let it get you down. Stupid names they're calling you. This year - just gimme a second
[wets the razor]
Barry: this year, your gonna shut them up. Only, probably you shouldn't tell your mom about this.
more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
She Drives Me Crazy more

FAQ

What happened between Jasira and Travis? Why didn't she realize he raped her?
Why did Travis come on to Jasira?
What does the alternate title "Towelhead" mean?
more
12 out of 15 people found the following comment useful.
Jaw Dropping!, 29 December 2008
10/10
Author: yossarian100 from usa

This is one odd, disturbing, strange little movie that is as seductive as it is uncomfortable to watch. The ensemble cast is a standout but Summer Bishil absolutely steals this one by delivering an amazingly adult performance of an almost impossible role, and Peter Macdissi, as her father, is also excellent with a heavily nuanced complex character.

I'd also like to point out this movie has more WTF moments than anything I've seen in recent memory.

Another thing I was struck with is just how commonplace, how "normal" the events in this girl's life appear, and that is even more disturbing.

I'd like to close by saying this movie will not be enjoyed by everyone, nor will it be understood by everyone. This is a major piece of film-making and a major piece of storytelling, though, and if you don't mind extremes, definitely give this one a try.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (43 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Nothing Is Private (2007)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Toni Collette as Melina jazzpiano-
Anyone who is uncomfortable watching sex has problems !!! movieliker1
One of the most horrifying scenes I've watched Mitten_Kitten
I didn't even realize this was set during the gulf war freegame365
Actors playing younger characters zerobeat
Melina.... ancaja123
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