Happy Tears
| Happy Tears | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Mitchell Lichtenstein |
| Produced by | Joyce M. Pierpoline |
| Written by | Mitchell Lichtenstein |
| Starring |
Parker Posey Demi Moore Rip Torn Sebastian Roché Ellen Barkin |
| Music by | Robert Miller |
| Cinematography | Jamie Anderson |
| Edited by | Joe Landauer |
| Distributed by | Roadside Attractions |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $22,464 |
Happy Tears is an American independent comedy-drama film by Mitchell Lichtenstein. It stars Parker Posey, Demi Moore, Rip Torn, Sebastian Roché and Ellen Barkin. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on 11 February 2009 and was released theatrically in the United States on 19 February 2010.
Plot synopsis
Jayne (Posey) and Laura (Moore) play sisters helping their crude but endearing father Joe (Torn) deal with age-related health and mental problems. Wealthy by marriage, Jayne is otherwise psychologically fragile. Conversely, Laura has her hands full with domestic responsibilities but is considerably more grounded. Upon returning to their childhood home to help their father, they face difficult, frequently comic situations. The home, their deceased mother's effects, and their father's eccentricities evoke memories and sentiments, especially for Jayne. The sisters bicker over the seriousness of their father's condition. They also contend with a romantic dalliance between Joe and his equally eccentric, wigged-out "nurse" Shelly (Barkin). The struggle to balance familial duties with their own strained lives suggests a more meaningful family connection they may not have had as children.[1]
Production
The shooting schedule was completed in 2008 and included locations in and around Philadelphia including Prospect Park, Center City and Cabrini College.[2]
References
- ↑ Berlin Sinks Some Teeth into “Happy Tears” 11 February 2009
- ↑ A frenzy of filming in Philly Philadelphia Inquirer. 16 May 2008