In fairness to
co-writer and director E.R. Nelson, "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake"
wasn't really given a fair chance during its initial screening at the
Indianapolis International Film Festival. Without playing the blame
game, "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" experienced multiple technical
glitches in the early part of the film that were, without a doubt no
fault of the director. Thus, the opportunity to bond quickly with
these quirky, but likeable characters was delayed and, ultimately, it
took a longer time to get into the "Napoleon Dynamite" like groove of
the film.
"Pirates of the Salt Lake" has a quirky charm and gentle heart that
will either find its niche' audience (as in "Napoleon Dynamite") or
will find its second life on DVD (as in most other decent indie
flicks).
Filmed over 18 days in Utah, "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" is the
sort of low-budget film I enjoy most. Much of this is due to the
natural goofball charm and "go for it" spirit of its most noted cast
member, Kirby Heyborne. Heyborne, a fan favorite on the LDS (Latter
Day Saint) film circuit, has genuine crossover appeal and has had his
recent starring role on Fox's "Free Ride" to prove it. Here, Heyborne plays
Cap'n Kirk, a "pirate" whose territory is the rough waters of the
Great Salt Lake.
You didn't know there were pirates on the Great Salt Lake? Arrrrr,
Matey. Where ya been?
Despite waters in which "it is impossible to drown" and the opposition
of his widowed, Christian mother (Joyce Cohen), Cap'n Kirk lives his
life camping out in the wild by night and helming his modest row boat
by day. One day, he befriends Flint (Trenton James), a clean-cut
Christian boy who pines away for the beautiful, bad boy lovin'
restaurant hostess from his local seafood restaurant.
Together, they set sail on the Great Salt Lake for adventures galore,
to get some booty (Get your mind out of the gutter!), and to live out
their lives as the pirates they were meant to be.
From idea to script to finished production, "Pirates of the Great Salt
Lake" was completed in an unheard of six months.
This both works for and against the film...the spontaneity comes
alive, often with comical results in the relationship between Cap'n
Kirk and his First Mate, Flint. They have a natural, easygoing
relationship that makes you constantly smile, even if you don't always
laugh.
Have you ever left a film, though, feeling like there was something
more to be seen? More of a story to be told? That was my feeling upon
leaving my viewing of "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake." The film was
over, the stories were wrapped up nice and neatly...but, I didn't feel
finished with these characters. A good part of this can be attributed
to the script (by Nelson and his writing partner Nathan Phillips),
which was finished in a mere one week after conceiving the idea for
the title first. As a binge writer myself, I embrace the
improvisational spirit that arises from such writing. It can be a
goldmine of humor and heart. Yet, in "Pirates of the Great Salt Lake"
it feels like there's more to be said, comic situations to be explored
and even more pirate "booty" to be had.Despite feeling
like there was more to be told, Phillips and Nelson prove themselves
particularly strong in character development and natural dialogue. Of
course, they wrote the character of Cap'n Kirk specifically for
Heyborne and because several of the cast members are real life friends
there's a familiarity with each other's dialogue and mannerisms that
plays out beautifully within the context of their characters.
As I left the theatre, I felt like I had spent my time wisely. Yet,
was there really anything there for me to rush out and share with my
friends? Any reason to spread the incredibly important "word of
mouth?" Does the film have that vital force called staying power?
"Napoleon Dynamite" had its signature lines that became part of
America's conscience...can a quirky, likeable pirate comedy do the
same?
I seriously doubted the film's staying power. Yet, it passed my
"24-hour rule." It has been 24 hours since I first viewed "Pirates of
the Great Salt Lake," and I find myself still thinking about the
characters, remembering certain lines and, yes, laughing for no
apparent reason in public.
Shiver me timbers.
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" could easily qualify as a buddy flick
for all involved. Several members of the cast and production crew have
sailed these seas together before, and their camaraderie is what makes
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" such an enjoyable view.
Heyborne has a field day as "Cap'n Kirk," and gives just the right
nuance to the zingy one-liners from Nelson and Phillips.
He's sort of a cross between Napoleon Dynamite, Jack Sparrow and a
delusional patient from your local mental institution. Even after
tragedy befalls Cap'n Kirk, he continues on guiding, inspiring and
applauding his First Mate.
If I were a pirate (sadly, I am not!), I would want to be like Cap'n
Kirk.
Trenton James, as Flint, combines a schoolboy charm with his version
of "pirate lite" to create the perfect complement to Cap'n Kirk.
Several times, he reminded me of one of my favorite characters, the
disabled young man "Pumpkin" from the movie of the same name.
The supporting cast is mostly a buried treasure of understatement.
Emily Tyndall (who actually was in "Napoleon Dynamite) portrays Ruby,
the object of Flint's affections, with enough attitude to pull of that
"bad girl wannabe" persona. Matt Mattson, as Lance the "Trailer Dude,"
was a comic treasure and is under-utilized. His presence, much like Heyborne's, was instantly likeable, always interesting, frequently
funny and downright sympathetic.
Personally, I'd have rather seen MUCH more of Lance and less of Drake
(Larry Bagby), the film's bad guy who has more lives than any of the
zombies from a George A. Romero film. Bagby does a nice job, but the
character is too one-dimensional to become truly satisfying. A search
for buried treasure between Cap'n Kirk, the First Mate and the
tagalong "Trailer Dude" would have been truly hilarious and
compelling. Throw in an appearance by Drake and others...Avast! You've
got even more buried treasure!
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" is filmed on HD, making for a crisp,
beautiful view of the actual Great Salt Lake. Production values for
this low-budget film are simple, yet meet the film's needs and the
soundtrack excels. Listen at the end of the film as "Trailer Dude"
does a "sweet" version of that classic Styx song "Come Sail Away."
It's the perfect end to a fun movie.
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" may not contain enough treasure to
allow you to buy six beachfront mansions, but it'll make you laugh and
smile and maybe, just maybe, make you realize that you're really okay just
the way you are.
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake" is currently on the film festival
circuit, and exploring distribution opportunities in the U.S. The film
is currently playing at the Indianapolis International Film Festival.
Visit their
website for more information on show times!
Give it a chance...break the curse, and see the quirky, heartfelt
"Pirates of the Great Salt Lake." |
