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Movie Description In this intimate drama, Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti (SIDEWAYS) plays George Gattling, an auto upholsterer in Gainesville, Florida. To escape his quiet life with his sister (character actress Rusty Schwimmer) and her mentally challenged son, Fred (Michael Pitt, THE DREAMERS), George attempts to train hawks with Fred's help. Throughout their town, George is known for his lack of success with hawks, with the birds starving themselves rather than learning. But when tragedy strikes the unconventional family, George goes deeper into his life with a new red-tailed hawk. Filled with grief and guilt, he avoids his family and friends as he tries to get the new bird to eat.
Unlike a lot of actors, Giamatti ably leaps between big-budget fare (such as THE LADY IN THE WATER) and independent films (THE ILLUSIONIST). This film certainly falls into the latter category with its small scale and talented cast, including Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN). This doesn't rank with the best films in Giamatti's career, such as SIDEWAYS and AMERICAN SPLENDOR, but George's crisis allows the veteran actor to shine. This is an incredibly honest film that shows people at their worst, whether it be with tear-streaked faces or being undressed without the benefit of Hollywood lighting.
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