Since not everyone can experience the downtown Manhattan hootenanny known as the Tribeca Film Festival in person, the folks at said fest have arranged for four short films to be available at the YouTube Screening Room. One of these shorties is Cutlass, a 16-minute interlude written and directed by Kate Hudson. It stars Kristen Stewart, Virginia Madsen, Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, and Chevy Chase, and it’s a devastatingly heartwarming story of the lifelong bond parents share with their children…when they buy stuff. Okay, fine. Perhaps I’m being a tad glib. Here’s the story: Madsen plays a mom whose daughter (Fanning) covets a $1,200 vintage guitar, which reminds her of the time her 1970s self (Stewart) convinced her pops (Russell) to help her buy her very first car from a man named Stan (Chase). The production value is sky-high — check out the lighting on Stewart in particular; girl looks gorgeous! — and obviously, Hudson has a leg-up on most first-time filmmakers when it comes to casting famous folks.
Click below and judge for yourself how Goldie’s little girl did in her first time at the helm. What do you think of Hudson’s final, shall we say, message, as spoken by Madsen: "Whatever makes you happy makes me happy. And money is no object…if you’re buying." Ill-timed consumerist fantasy during a recession or sweet musings on the joys of parenting?
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i watched this film awhile back and absolutely fell in love with it. such a sweet simple story.
I LOVED this. such a great story.
eh it was ok- i thought it was a little long. i wasnt captivated by the story but it did have a good look to it.
I think it’s great!
I thought it was very well directed. It drew me in and was pretty to look at. I don’t think anyone should get all high and mighty about the message–every kid wants stuff and these kids are no exception, economy or not. The point was the things weren’t handed to them on a silver platter.
I thought it was very well directed. It drew me in and was pretty to look at. I don’t think anyone should get all high and mighty about the message–every kid wants stuff and these kids are no exception, economy or not. The point was the things weren’t handed to them on a silver platter.
it was terrible. pointless. the only thing that makes it watchable is the cast. waste of time and money.
Sweet story, direction unremarkable but with a cast like that there probably wasn’t much directing to do.
it was nicely put togehter, loved the last line!
I’d give the first time director an A- and the first time screenwriter maybe a B. All in all, props to Kate.
um…Kris always looks beautiful!!!
Obviously everyone had fun doing this little film. It was charming. I don’t think it was meant to be profound, just heartwarming. The directing was good, the back and forth scenes transition well so continuity was maintained. Of course with this caliber of actors they just need point and shoot instructions. It was a fun little film.
I LOOOVE this little film…They’re all fantastic! Didn’t want it to end… Thanks Kate and all of you.
You cheer the world. Kat xx
Really enjoyed it. I live this every day with my 18-year-old daughter and I have to say it did make me smile. Great job Kate! Virginia Madsen is absolutely gorgeous in this! Also, in my opinion Kristen Stewart will be the next Meryl Strep, she is a very talented and beautiful woman … wish I was 20 years younger!