36th cleveland international film festival :: march 22 - april 1, 2012
The Good Heart
Director:
Dagur Kári

Run Time: 95 minutes

Country: DENMARK, ICELAND, USA, GERMANY
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The Good Heart

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Homeless and living under a bridge, Lucas (played by Paul Dano of “Little Miss Sunshine” fame) seems to have no one in his life except the white kitten that he cuddles and cares for. Meanwhile, bar owner Jacques (played by Brian Cox) is at home listening to his doctor-prescribed relaxation tape, which he rips to shreds in frustration. The action launches him into his fifth heart attack and lands him in the hospital. When Lucas awakens in the hospital, after attempting suicide, he finds himself with Jacques as a roommate. They are an unlikely pair at first who find common ground as two of society’s self-selected outcasts. After Lucas is released, Jacques goes looking for him and an adoption of sorts takes place. He envisions Lucas taking over the dingy bar when he dies. Jacques gives him a makeover, complete with new clothes, a haircut, a room over the bar, and, most importantly, a dose of his business acumen — the capacity of the bar cannot exceed 13 people (think of Jesus and the Apostles, he says) and no walk-ins. But in walks April. And everything changes. The regulars perk up a bit; Lucas becomes more outspoken; April even puts flowers on the tables. And Jacques doesn’t like it one bit. THE GOOD HEART is a poignant and lyrical exploration into the relationships among Jacques, Lucas, and April. – C.C.P.

This film is presented with the generous support of THOMAS A. DUKE.
Category Continental Airlines World Tour
Producer Skuli Fr. Malmquist, Thor Sigurjonsson
Screenplay Dagur Kári
Cinematography Rasmus Videbćk
Editing Andri Steinn Gudmundsson
Principal Cast Paul Dano, Brian Cox, Stephanie Szostak, Damian Young, Clark Middleton, Isild Le Besco
Director Bio Dagur Kári was born in 1973 in Paris to Icelandic parents and returned to Iceland when he was three years old. He graduated from the National Film School of Denmark in 1999.
Select Filmography “Noi the Albino” (2003), “Dark Horse” (2005), THE GOOD HEART (2009)
Print Source Magnolia Pictures
Brad Westcott
bwestcott@magpictures.com
www.magpictures.com

Past Screenings

Friday, March 26, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 7:15 PM

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