Rick's Canoe (a comedy shot in Santa Fe, NM, ©2005). TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rickscanoe
FULL MOVIE: https://vimeo.com/428376679
Jumping around to 2005, here’s RICK’S CANOE, the only Feature Workshop in which a Hollywood actor participated, undoubtedly helping us receive one of, if not the best review I ever received. How often does a reviewer beg for more space to praise your movie!
REVIEW; RICK’S CANOE, Santa Fe Reporter, 2005
“We only wish there were more column inches to cover one of the quirkiest, most refreshing homegrown film events of an otherwise dreary late summer. Rick's Canoe came together in a matter of days thanks to heroic efforts on the part of local filmmakers and actors Rick Schmidt, Stephen "Jules" Rubin, Jonathan Grossman, Jonathan Skurnik, John Reed, and Barry Norman, with special appearance by Val DeVargas (The Magnificent Seven). Rick (Norman) is your average Santa Fe guy: He's 48, unemployed, has no girlfriend and his camper's just been stolen, along with everything in it. Can he and his best friend Jules (Rubin) find meaning – and possibly love – in a men's group led by Santa Flaky therapist Dierdre (Dierdre Parness)? ––Jennifer Lowe
Men’s group meeting in Rick’s Canoe/camper (actor Barry Norman laughing in foreground (WINNER – BEST CHARACTER ("The Spicoli") to BARRY NORMAN/Rick's Canoe." ––SLACKER FILM FESTIVAL, TORONTO). Official Selection, ROME INTL. FILM FESTIVAL.
SYNOPSIS
In 'CANOE,' Val DeVargas played the father of lead actor and co-writer/co- director Barry Norman, challenging Barry to explain himself and his recent failures. In general, Val’s character was as unsympathetic as a father can be. For those of us who have any issues with the father-son interaction, this is a “ground zero” performance by both these actors––pretty brutal. but exceedingly GREAT scene. Hold on to your self-esteem!
We also got fortunate to have a fascinating bunch of guys together for our "MEN'S GROUP" scene led by Diedre Parness. So thanks again Barry Norman, Jules Rubin, Roberto Codato, Chad Forrest, Phillip Lee, Michael Schwab for sharing personal stories about love relationships and playing along. Also appreciate Jonathan Skurnik, Barry Norman, and John Reed for jumping in, to share their real-life stories for the camera.
RICK'S CANOE, (a film by Jonathan Grossman, Barry Norman, John Reed, Stephen “Jules” Rubin, Jonathan Skurnik, & Rick Schmidt), was one of three features we did in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as part of my FEATURE WORKSHOPS productions (Produced by Rick Schmidt & Stephen “Jules” Rubin), I was living there at the time – still miss the town & friends there! And perhaps, it was the best reviewed of them all!
We certainly lucked out in this production, first and foremost by having a film-legend Valentin (Val) DeVargas in our cast. He was known for TOUCH OF EVIL (he smashes Charlton Heston's head into the juke box!), also THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and many other roles in TV and films). Sadly, this was his last role before he died unexpectedly, and I personally lost a dear friend.
Regarding MUSIC, we had a bunch of heavy hitters: “Afraid to Die”, by TUCSON SIMPSON (ggpiii@yahoo.com). “Little Black Egg”, by BLOOD DRAINED COWS (blooddrainedcows.com). “Eclipse” and “My Tantric Gatito”, by GLASS (rpursuit.com). Instrumental for walk to camper, by BILLY COTE AND MARY LORSON with Saint Low. “Lonely Days”, performed by Barry Norman, written by BEE GEES, ©1971 Warner/Chappell Music. Ltd. “Right Through You”, by BULLET THEORY, Thirty Second Publishing.“I’ll Never Love You Again”, by DAVID BROOKINGS, from the album “Chorus Verses the Bridge." THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!
TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rickscanoe
Another great review and more great descriptions of the movie you all made! Having just visited with you and Julie, during my first visit to Santa Fe, makes this all even more entertaining. I remember watching this with you and a small group of fans in your PT house. The discussion afterward was illuminating!