Towelhead / Nothing Is Private
2007
****
Director: Alan Ball
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter MacDissi, Summer Bishil, Matt Letscher, Chase Ellison, Eugene Jones, Lynn Collins
In his directorial debut Alan Ball, who wrote American Beauty, returns to the suburbs to tell a story of a 13-year-old Lebanese-American girl. Jasira is in the midst of puberty, self-discovery and sexual awakening, which she must try and balance with the expectations of her traditionalist single dad, black boyfriend, predatory neighbour and a do-gooder couple next door. Jasira is a provocative fusion of child and woman who makes some of the scenes very uncomfortable viewing. The story deals with controversial themes like racism, pedophilia and war, which Ball lightens up with some wickedly dark humour, much like Todd Solondz. But what exactly does his film say about human nature? The whole cast is great, but Peter MacDissi and Summer Bishil, as the father and daughter, are particular standouts. Based on Alicia Erian's novel.
