Palindromes (2004)

Director:

Todd Solondz

Writer:

Todd Solondz (written by)

Release Date:

21 January 2005 (Sweden)

Genre:

Drama | Adventure | Comedy

Plot:

Aviva is thirteen, awkward and sensitive. Her mother Joyce is warm and loving, as is her father, Steve, a regular guy who does have a fierce temper from time to time. The film revolves around her family, friends and neighbors.

Plot Keywords:

Underage Sex | Child Prostitution | Deliberate Cruelty | Suburban | Shotgun

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Matthew Faber	...	Mark Wiener
Angela Pietropinto	...	Mrs. Wiener
Bill Buell	...	Mr. Wiener
Emani Sledge	...	'Dawn' Aviva
Ellen Barkin	...	Joyce Victor
Valerie Shusterov	...	'Judah' Aviva
Richard Masur	...	Steve Victor
Hillary Bailey Smith	...	Robin Wallace (as Hillary B. Smith)
Danton Stone	...	Bruce Wallace
Robert Agri	...	First Judah
Hannah Freiman	...	'Henry' Aviva
Stephen Singer	...	Dr. Fleisher
Rachel Corr	...	'Henrietta' Aviva
Stephen Adly Guirgis	...	Joe / Earl / Bob
Will Denton	...	'Huckleberry' Aviva

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Hebrew

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | Hungary:16 | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-15 | New Zealand:R18 | Singapore:M18 | Iceland:16 | Argentina:13 | Hong Kong:III | Ireland:16 | Japan:R-15 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:Not Rated | Australia:R

Filming Locations:

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Company:

Extra Large Pictures

Trivia:

The names of the characters Aviva, Bob, and Otto are all palindromes

• as per the title of the film.

Goofs:

Continuity: When 'Henrietta' Aviva Victor is about to climb into the pack of the lorry, she tosses her blue backpack in first. Between shots it changes position.

Quotes:

Skippy: My name is skippy just like the peanut butter!

Movie Connections:

Featured in 2006 Independent Spirit Awards (2006) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Somebody Loved

These people are real

I just saw this at SXSW in Austin, Tx on March 14, 2005 and all 1200 people in the Paramount theater had to laugh because if they didn't they would have to cry. Before the movie, Todd Solondz himself wished that we would enjoy this "fable/fairy tale". Though this movie has fable like qualities, I wouldn't suggest showing this movie to a kid unless you were interested in destroying the kid's morale. Every character in the movie is malignantly realistic and I lost count of how many times I put my hand over my mouth and shook my head trying to decide to laugh or scream. "Palindromes" has a totally unique way of looking at abortion, pedophilia, individualism, family and parenthood through the points of view of these well developed characters. Though we may not have wanted to experience these point of view, the character's acceptance of their own realities makes the viewer take another look at their reality.

I think this is a great movie for people with daughters. If this movie doesn't make you want to be a better parent then I guess there is no hope after all. Well, I'm finally closing in on 200 words, I could have definitely stopped after saying "people had to laugh because if they didn't they would have to cry."