Ryan Redford

Oliver Sherman – first reviews

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Garret Dillahunt,Oliver ShermanOliver Sherman premieres tonight at the Toronto Film Festival. The first couple of reviews – both pretty positive – are already online.

“There’s little doubt, however, that the film boasts an impressive undercurrent of suspense, as one is never entirely sure if the whole thing is meant to come off as a subtle character study or as something just a little more sinister (ie what is Sherman up to, exactly?)

Dillahunt’s remarkably subtle performance certainly goes a long way towards holding the viewer’s interest, yet it’s worth nothing that the narrative is occasionally just a little bit more predictable than one might’ve liked (ie when Sherman offers to carry two plates of hot dogs, you just know something is going to go horribly wrong).

And while this does ensure that the movie is often more effective as an actor’s showcase than as a fully realized cinematic experience, Oliver Sherman is certainly never dull and it’s also worth noting that the expectedly low-key finale does pack far more of an emotional punch than one might’ve anticipated.” [Reelfilm]

Molly Parker,Oliver Sherman“These sorts of domestic thrillers were quite popular in American cinema back in the early ’90s, with movies like Unlawful Entry and Pacific Heights ushering in Christian anxieties about cultural change negatively affecting the traditional family unit. But this particular film is Canadian, and first-time feature writer/director Ryan Redford isn’t interested in employing cheap thrills to sell his narrative. He takes his time with the characters, building conflict organically and allowing the tension to come from quiet, passive-aggressive remarks and escalating pseudo-threats.

Resultantly, while occasionally awkward in editing and scene composition, this xenophobic parable shows a maturity and acuity beyond most character-based psychological thrillers, taking a highbrow approach to the subject. What’s more, it shows a new talent in the Canadian filmmaking scene, being one of the more assured debuts to come from English-speaking Canada in quite some time.” [Exclaim]

Garret Dillahunt,Donal Logue,Oliver Sherman

New Oliver Sherman article

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Almaguin News talked to Garret, writer/director Ryan Redford and producer Paul Stephens about their experience filming Oliver Sherman in the area last week. Here is a snippet:

This is Stephens’ first time filming in the Almaguin region and he is enjoying it. The crew is filming in Powassan, Trout Creek and North Bay.

“It’s great. The colours have been fantastic,” he said.

Actor Garret Dillahunt (No Country for Old Men) says he has been in the area for a week and a half and, although he has been on set for the majority of his stay, he has admired the fall colours.

“It’s fantastic. I’ve taken some beautiful pictures,” said the Washington State actor, adding he managed some time during the weekend for photography.

“I enjoy working in Canada,” he said.

Dillahunt has worked in Toronto, Vancouver and in Alberta during the filming of The Assassination of Jessie James but this is his first time in Northern Ontario.

The versatile actor says playing a variety of roles makes the job more interesting.

Dillahunt plays the lead, Oliver Sherman.

Stephens says the film could be classified as a psychological thriller about two men who served in the war together seven years before. Once they return Franklin Page, played by Donal Logue (Ghost Rider) moves on with his life – settling down in a small town with his family. Sherman, however, who suffered a head injury, is still living with the war and can’t let it go. Nor can he let go of Page, the man who saved his life in the war.

“He gets on a bus one day and knocks on the door and kind of moves in,” said Stephens. “Something is slightly askew with this guy.” [Almaguin News]

Oliver Sherman – Hollywood Reporter article

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The Hollywood Reporter has an article about Oliver Sherman.

Molly Parker and Garret Dillahunt are reuniting on the indie drama “Oliver Sherman” from Canadian producer the Film Works.

Parker (“Swingtown”) and Dillahunt earlier worked together on HBO’s “Deadwood” and next on the upcoming adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” set for theatrical release on Nov. 25.

In “Oliver Sherman,” Dillahunt plays a disconnected war veteran who goes in search of a soldier, played by Donal Logue, who saved his life during the war and is now quietly living in a rural town with a wife (Parker) and two children.

The project, to shoot in northern Ontario, marks the first feature from writer-director Ryan Redford. Antonio Calvache is DOP, while Paul Stephens and Eric Jordan of the Films Works share producer credits.

Mongrel Media will release the indie picture in Canada. [THR]