This film is part of Rentals

Trees Lounge 15 rating

Venerable character actor Steve Buscemi steps behind the camera in this profound character study on a lonely, alcoholic, and unemployed mechanic.

Comedy 1996 91 mins

Director: Steve Buscemi

Overview

Steve Buscemi writes, directs, and stars in this original and offbeat dramedy about a man at crossroads in his life. Unemployed and recently single, Tommy (Buscemi) finds solace in his neighbourhood bar Trees Lounge. Thinking of how to quit drinking and get a new job, Tommy witnesses the other self-destructive sad sacks of his life and how they seem to get by. It’s up to Tommy to get himself out of his rut – but will the bottle help? Trees Lounge is a darkly funny drama that is drenched in the wit and insight Buscemi brings to each of his roles, and is American Independent cinema at its most observed and true.

Buscemi was able to get an impressive ensemble cast for his debut, including Mark Boone Junior, Chloe Sevigny, and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s funny, it’s tragic, but altogether it’s human and moving. Fans of Buscemi’s performances won’t want to miss his sincere and original project.