Writer-director Rob Margolies' debut feature bristles with smart dialogue, complex characters, and heart wrenching performances. Set against the backdrop of suburban utopia, the Bernstein family leads a dysfunctional existence. With three foul-mouthed kids (Robbie Sublett, Dreama Walker, and Jacob Kogan), a caffeine-addict mother (Jane Adams) on the brink, and a less than forthcoming father (Josh Pais), they suffer an atmosphere so heavy with collective hostility and tension it seems as if the floral-papered walls will come crashing down at any minute. Forced to the breaking point, they concede to a family therapy session, where it quickly becomes clear that what's at stake is "about a lot more than dry turkey." Repressed anger and antagonism give way to moments of self-revelation, as a patient and compassionate Dr. Livingston (Joe Morton) draws out demons and dark secrets, allowing the family to start accepting their own humanity. Brutally hilarious, warmly intimate, always honest, "Lifelines" is an impressively fresh take on the family drama.
Kanbar Entertainment & Different Duck Films present LIFELINES
Key Crew:
Casting by Lindsay Chag C.S.A. & Judy Henderson C.S.A.
Cinematography by David Sperling
Original Music by Robert Miller
Edited by Jason Stewart
Executive Producer Maurice Kanbar
Executive Producers Robert Fagenson and Andrew Margolies
Written, Produced, and Directed by Rob Margolies
NYC THEATRICAL RELEASE:
April 3, 2009 — Quad Cinema
LAKE PARK, FL THEATRICAL RELEASE:
July, 2009 — Mos Art Theater
"'Lifelines' is a fine, strong film!" — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
WINNER Best American Indie Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2008
WINNER Best Feature Film Rhode Island International Film Festival 2008
WINNER Best Feature Film (Audience Award) Jersey Shore Film Festival 2008
WINNER Best Feature Film Philadelphia Independent Film Festival 2008
WINNER Opening Night Selection ACE Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION Cinequest Film Festival 2009
OFFICIAL SELECTION Mill Valley Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION Edmonton Int'l Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION New Hampshire Int'l Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION Orlando Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION Flint Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION Omaha Film Festival 2008
"Better than the vast majority of studio films released each year." — Dustin Putman, DustinPutman.com
***NOTE: The film was originally titled "WHEREVER YOU ARE." It screened at many of these festivals under that title, but is now officially "LIFELINES."***
