After 20 years, Corey Feldmanis a lost film from 2004 The birthday is finally getting a theatrical release. A trailer for the film, which you can see here.
During a recent interview with Salon, Feldman was asked why the Eugenio Mira-directed film took two decades to be released.
Feldman said: “I have my theories. The official response is that the executive producer said he did not want to accept any offer other than a full refund of the expenses incurred in making the film.
“We wanted it to be theatrical, but most distributors wouldn’t give any money up front, or would only give a small amount up front, saving most [payment] for the backend. Back then DVDs were disappearing and times were changing.
“He held on. We played a few festivals and got great reviews. He was getting the enthusiasm he needed, but he said, “No.” It is what it is.”
Feldman continued: “I wish there was a clear answer. But after 20 years, he finally gave in, gave up control over this film and let it go. Thanks to the man who made it possible.”
Feldman continued, “I’m happy he made the right choice, and it’s out, and people will have the opportunity to see this beloved film. While the profit may not be what people expect, it has its reward. It’s a Lynchian-style dark comedy.”
Feldman said there is “no question” that his career would have turned out differently if the film had been released in 2004. “I don’t want to go down the conspiracy theory route. I feel like the ending of this movie was done intentionally and for this very reason.
“There were people in high places who didn’t want me to succeed. They wanted to portray the idea of a fallen hero, someone who lost his skill and ability and was no longer the talented kid he once was.
That was the image they were trying to give me. When I say “They,” who knows who they are? All I know is that there’s an obvious lineage and timeline to the great films I made in those years that for some reason didn’t get released or weren’t seen, and that’s the icing on the cake.
The most disgusting films, the ones I had to accept in exchange for money to survive, are scattered everywhere. You can always see the most embarrassing moments in life. This is the first time I’ve felt some validation and redemption – thank God, while I’m still here enjoying it – looking at a work of art I cared so much about.”
Feldman gives a great performance in The Birthday and while he’s out playing with his band right now, I like to think he still has the acting chops. It just needs a solid project to showcase them.
The film is described as “wickedly thrilling and darkly hilarious. All is not as it seems in the old Royal Fulton Hotel. Norman Forrester, played brilliantly in a breakthrough performance by Corey Feldman, will finally meet his girlfriend’s family. The lavish birthday party of the father.
“But what was supposed to be a major breakthrough in their relationship doesn’t go exactly as planned; he’s not on the guest list, his girlfriend ignores him and his father doesn’t like him at all.
“Rejected and heartbroken, Norman walks away from the party, only to discover something far more sinister than his girlfriend’s family lurking in the troubled bowels of the troubled hotel: an ancient evil that threatens to bring about the end of the world. “
Drafthouse Films will debut The birthday on October 11, 2024.
Written by Mira and Mikel Alvarino, the film also stars Jack Taylor, Erica Prior, Rick Merrill, Richard Felix, Dale Douma and Robert Long.
20 years later, premiering in select US theaters on October 11.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
