Nathan Silver is unstoppable at the moment. The NYC-based indie auteur premiered “Uncertain Terms” last summer at LA Film Fest (a film we called “wry, oddly funny, but poignant”), and his next project, his fifth feature, “Stinking Heaven,” is already done and bowing at the Rotterdam International Film Festival next week. The film’s log line reads “a black as tar comedy charting the dissolution of a commune for sober living in early 90’s suburban New Jersey,” and seems to be at least a thematic continuation observing the ups and downs of group dynamics in extraordinary or odd circumstances. “Uncertain Terms” took place at group home for pregnant teens, though the tone and style of "Stinking Heaven" looks to be profoundly different.
Today, we’ve got the exclusive premiere of a clip from the film, and the poster. The striking one-sheet was designed by Dana Davis, who also designed the unforgettable poster for Josephine Decker’s “Thou Wast Mild and Lovely” last year. The clip features up-and-comer Keith Poulson (“Hellaware”) as Jim, as well as a distinct lo-fi, videotape aesthetic—Silver shot on an early ‘90s news camera in order to properly capture the era. As with most of his work, the film is largely improvised, a collaboration between writers, director, actors, and cinematographer, and Silver calls the finished product “a documentary of a fictional world.” Silver’s one of the most exciting indie directors working right now: his films are unique, distinct, and really unlike anything else out there. And with the speed that he churns them out, he’s already produced quite the body of work.
“Stinking Heaven” has its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival on Monday, January 26th. Check out the long synopsis, clip, and poster below.
Married couple Jim and Lucy (Keith Poulson, Deragh Campbell) run a commune for sober living out of their suburban New Jersey home. The motley members eat, bathe and work together selling homemade "health tea" out of their van. Although there’s constant bickering and plenty of fires to be put out, Jim and Lucy have managed to establish a haven for these outcasts. But the harmony is interrupted when Ann (Hannah Gross), a recovering addict and the ex-lover of one housemate, arrives. Ann’s insidious presence sends the members spiraling out of control, resulting in paranoia, drug relapse and eventually death.
