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We’ve got some multi-tasking, multiple-hat-wearing filmmakers on this week’s BEHIND THE LENS as we’re looking at two indie gems with two wonderful filmmakers – LISA BRENNER, who is discussing her feature narrative screenwriting debut, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, which she also produces and in which she stars alongside Linda Lavin in her final big screen performance; and DEVIN MONTGOMERY, who makes his feature directorial debut with the drama MONSTERS WITHIN.\u00a0 And like Lisa, he also stars in his film, as well as serving as writer and editor.<\/p>\n
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, which is based on Lisa\u2019s own life, explores themes of family, identity, and unity, all done with heart and laughter.\u00a0 On her 40th birthday, Rachel is grappling with a looming midlife crisis and the nerve-wracking task of delivering a speech at her daughter\u2019s Bat Mitzvah. But when a DNA test unexpectedly reveals that she\u2019s only half-Jewish and her beloved father isn\u2019t her biological parent, Rachel\u2019s life is thrown into disarray, and suddenly, she\u2019s embarking on a hilarious journey with her eccentric mother Lenore to find out who she really is. \u00a0 And as if you hadn\u2019t already guessed, Linda Lavin plays eccentric mother Lenore to Lisa\u2019s Rachel.<\/p>\n
Directed by Matt Sohn, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is written, produced, and stars Lisa Brenner along with Linda Lavin, Lumi Pollack, Dante Brasco, Sabrina Cofield, and Josh Fadem, among others. Funny from beginning to end, while the film focuses in large part on the relationship between a Jewish mother and daughter, it will resonate with almost every daughter out there, no matter what their nationality or religion. The story itself is well structured in terms of story and character development, as well as the visuals under Matt Sohn\u2019s direction and the work of cinematographer Ryan Little.<\/p>\n
I am particularly enamored with many of the one-liners peppered throughout, the majority of which are delivered by Linda Lavin, who brings such life, such joy, and such humor to the proceedings. \u00a0Lisa has a terrific grasp of the mother-daughter colloquial dynamic, as well as writing dialogue that feels natural and conversational.\u00a0 In our conversation, Lisa discusses the genesis of the film and why, after her 30-some years in the business, this was the time to tell her story. A very hands-on producer, we also delve into, among other production elements, the casting process as well as her collaboration with director Matt Sohn and the visual look and feel that Lisa wanted for the film. And she not only goes into great detail about casting Linda Lavin, but has some wonderful anecdotes for us. \u00a0Lisa also touches on the challenges of balancing acting, writing, and producing, and her future plans to direct, as well as the challenges of staying relevant and working over the decades in this ever-changing medium.<\/p>\n
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is in theatres now.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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