King of the Hill
After a closer look at Soderbergh's Schizopolis, I decided to stay on the Steven Soderbergh theme with perhaps his most underrated film to date: the depression drama, King of the Hill. This is one of my favorite Soderbergh films and I cannot wait for it to reach the DVD format. This is truly a movie that deserves a Look Closer...
Soderbergh adapted the movie from a previous novel written by A.E. Hotchner and the adaptation seems to be done really well. While I have not read the novel, Soderbergh was nominated for both the Golden Globe and the Oscar for his orginal screenplay: sex, lies, and videotape. After seeing that flick and hearing word that he has been picked by James Cameron to adapt a Russian sci-fi novel, Solaris, I don't doubt Soderbergh's ability as a writer at all. (Even though in his book he comes out and claims how much he hates to write.)
After talking about Soderbergh's writing, I think I need to touch for a moment on his direction, which in my opinion is some of the best out there. Soderbergh is my favorite director, he picks different genres and uses unique techniques in which to tell his story. For example, look at the color themes he uses in Traffic and the use of freeze frame in Out of Sight, this adds to the overall tone and feel and makes them unique. Also, his work with actors is spectacular. Who supports both a best actress and best supporting actor for two different films in one year? Even more rare is his double Oscar nomination last year and his surprising win for Traffic. Soderbergh is one of the best director's out there and his work with the children in this film clearly stands out.
I apologize for my previous rambling, I will now finally touch on the movie itself. King of the Hill deals with a young boy named Aaron Kurlander (Jesse Bradford), whose life is turned upside down when his mother is institutionalized, his brother is sent off to live with family, and his father works to support the family by traveling around the country, leaving Aaron alone to support himself. Aaron uses this moment of independence to reform his image and both talk his way into a private school and charm a rich young girl. All of these events take place during the great depression, adding to the feel of hopelessness, however, remaining optimistic like Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. This depiction of the depression is one of the greatest I've ever seen on film and like Soderbergh's direction, adds to the overall tone and feel of the film. The supporting characters are also well drawn, adding a bit of significance each time they share the screen with Aaron.
In a way, this film reminds me of Huck Finn. Both are about young boys surviving on their own in times of need and learning to make the most of even the worst situation. However, there is one major difference, I hated Huck Finn. (You tell 'em, Drew - Hollyfeld. ) Huck Finn became tedious, repetitious, and boring, all the things King of the Hill is not. When Twain added characters that paralleled previous situations it left Huck with nothing, while in King of the Hill each supporting character provides Aaron with a bit of their own inside which causes Aaron to invent himself and grow. This is a great film and really deserves a viewing.
- Dr. Strangelove (aka Drew Morton)
As always, Hollyfeld can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Lazlo Hollyfeld is the pseudonym of an aspiring writer/actor/director located in Southern California. With one screenplay under his (collaborative) belt and more to come, he is sure to work his way up in the world with the help of his talented and close-knit group of friends, co-workers, and penguins. Yes, you heard me, penguins. A film student since before he can remember, he has devoted much of his life to the study of the silver screen and its related art forms.
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