The Theory of Leisure Class is an American independent thriller film directed by Gabriel Niccolo Bologna and starring Brad Renfro, Tuesday Knight, and Michael Massee. The film centers on a series of murders targeting children in a small-town setting and was screened in July 2001 as part of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Following a limited circulation, it was later released on DVD on April 29, 2003.
Plot The plot revolves around the discovery of murdered children's bodies by kids on a field trip, triggering a, sordid, investigation that reveals a web of local corruption.
Cast Tuesday Knight as Callie Athena Ashburn as Julie Mathews Brad Renfro as Billy Christopher McDonald as Buddy Barnett Michael Massee as McMillon Julie Stensland as Mama J. Brooke Conrad as Maria Erika Brannan as Cindie McKenna John Furlong as Emmet Masterson Heather Rattray as Attorney
Production The film was shot in 1998. Release The film was screened in July 2001 as part of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The VHS/DVD were released on April 29, 2003.
Reception Robert Koehler of Variety stated that the film delivers "its one unearned idea" only in the final moments, after this "strained piece of American trailer-trash surrealism" has already collapsed from "creative exhaustion", adding that the filmmaking "lacks control" even as it tries a "woozy deconstruction of film noir", and concluding that its commercial outlook was bleak, with the "best hope" being European markets, since "post-theatrical biz appears nil".
AllMovie rated the film one out of five stars, while DVD Movie Reviews rated it two out of four stars.
Accolades Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.New York International Independent Film Festival Best Thriller The Theory of Leisure ClassBest ScreenplayThe Theory of Leisure ClassBest Supporting Actor Brad Renfro
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