Ever since she was six, Drew Barrymore has been working on the big screen, playing some of the most iconic roles in some of cinema's most memorable films. Now, decades later, the famed child star is proving her talent, stepping behind the camera to direct her first major motion picture, Fox Searchlight's Whip It.
The movie, which was shot in and around the Austin area, tells the story of Bliss, a small-town teen, who opts to play hardball and join a local roller-derby league in Austin. Starring the young and feisty Ellen Page, along with Marcia Gay Harden and Kristin Wiig, the film is dominated by skilled female talent. Few men ever intercept the flow of estrogen, only showing themselves when a father or boyfriend figure is needed.
As for the standout of the film, that award goes, hands-down, to Page. Her youthful look and rebellious energy translates well on the big screen. She is cocky, a bit arrogant, and immensely independent; not to mention her ability to create the girl-next-door persona. It doesn't always work, and for most actresses, this role would be a typecast move. However, for Page, it is an open door through which she confidently walks. Her charm and innocence work for her, and she uses them well, giving way to another memorable performance from the recent Oscar-nominated actress.
Barrymore, making her directorial debut, surprises with her work behind the camera. Her involvement in front is limited, allowing her to concentrate her efforts on her directing, and it is there that she really shines. The style and colors are extremely dry, helping to sell the rugged, authentic feel that the film expels. Not everyone will find it appealing, as its dark tone will remind people of an old time drama piece, but somehow, it works here, representing the present day in the town of a low-income struggling family.
Marcia Gay Harden, Kristin Wiig, and Eve are key supporting players in the film, providing different aspects of Bliss' growing journey. None get the screen time that their talent truly deserves, yet they interject within the story quite well. Juliet Lewis, who hasn't been seen in quite some time, does a phenomenal job as Bliss' arch rival, showing a gritty side that hasn't been seen since she broke free in Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers. Jimmy Fallon is really the only male figure worth mentioning, and his involvement is minimal at best.
Thrown together, Whip It is a great film from some of Hollywood's most promising talent. Besides Page's expected brilliant performance and the return of Lewis, the film notably catapults Barrymore as a director, showing just one more side to her creative genes that have helped her withstand the life of Hollywood for this long. Thankfully, it looks like her influence is only improving in the world of motion picture cinema, and that my friends, marks a great day for us movie.
*This film is currently showing at the Toronto Film Festival.
