I have to admit, I hadn’t even heard of this film until now. And, likely the inclusion of Zac Efron probably turned off my movie receptors. It’s not that I’m against the guy, it’s just that he’s yet to do anything that made me take notice. However, this new film from director Ramin Bahrani, puts the young actor in good company, with veterans like Dennis Quaid, Clancy Brown, and Chelcie Ross, as well as the always engaging Kim Dickens and Heather Graham. That’s a good start, for sure, but what drew me into this trailer was the fact that it really goes in a different direction.
Honestly, I was expecting a by-the-numbers Efron starrer, but instead this looks like a multi-layered portrait into old-style Americana filmmaking, something we don’t get a lot of today. If anything, I’ll see this just to catch what looks like a great performance from Quaid, a true cinematic underdog. AT ANY PRICE made the festival circuits last year, including TIFF and Venice, and is now set to make its theatrical debut.
Have a look:
And here’s the clip:
Here’s the synopsis:
Set in the competitive world of modern agriculture, “At Any Price” centers on ambitious Henry Whipple (Quaid), who wants his rebellious son Dean (Efron) to help expand his family’s farming empire. However, Dean has his sights set on becoming a professional race car driver. When a high-stakes investigation into their business unfolds, father and son are pushed into an unexpected situation that threatens the family’s entire livelihood.
AT ANY PRICE opens on April 26, 2013.