Debra Eisenstadt Movies
The Kid Stays in the Picture director Brett Morgen turns his unique eye toward the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention in this 2006 documentary. Using a star-studded voice cast along with a blend of archival footage and animation, Morgen tells the story of the eight demonstrators who were arrested and tried for conspiracy in the wake of the violent anti-war protests. Featuring the voices of Nick Nolte and Mark Ruffalo among others, Chicago 10 premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 2006
After twenty years spent literally waiting in the wings, perpetual off-Broadway understudy Ann (Andrea Powell) has reached the end of her emotional tether. If her professional existence is headed down the fast track to nowhere, her private life teeters on the verge of destruction, given her decision to nurture an ill-fated marital engagement to thesp Guy (Jonathan Marc Sherman). Ann's current stage work posits her as an understudy to diva-hopeful K.C. (Melissa Leo of Henry Jaglom's Always), and the former spends most of her days in the green room, killing time with understudies Shelly (Richard Vetere) and Russell (Zack Griffiths). The production takes an unusual and unanticipated twist, however, when Russell is thrown into the production to replace one of the actors, and must perform a scene that requires him to simulate the rape of K.C.'s character. The confused K.C. simultaneously believes she's falling in love with Russell, and believes that he is actually sexually abusing her during the sequence; the combined effect rips her apart emotionally and ultimately requires Ann to replace her in the production - which moves Ann's multilayered relationship with Russell center stage. Debra Eisenstadt (Daydream) directs, and co-authored the original screenplay with Jill Eisenstadt. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Melissa Leo, Andrea Powell, (more)
- 2001
Can an eager, enthusiastic young woman from a small town make good as an actress in the Big City? Valerie Woodbury (played by Sybil Kempson) is about to find out the hard way in this independent comedy. Valerie has scored the leading role in a new play being produced by a community theater group in her hometown in Vermont, which she imagines is the big break she's been waiting for, though her friends and family are hardly as impressed. As self-centered director and playwright Boyd (Gladden Schrock) puts Valerie through her paces, she discovers someone has been sitting in on her rehearsals -- Kent Black (Louis Puopolo), a small-time television actor who tells her he's been putting the finishing touches on a play he plans to stage off Broadway, and he wants Valerie as his star. Throwing caution to the wind, Valerie moves to New York City, only to discover that Kent's play is opening much farther off Broadway than she expected. When her career doesn't take off as fast as she had hoped, Valerie finds herself scrambling for work like any other unemployed actor, including a day spent handing out samples of snack crackers while dressed in a chicken suit. Produced, directed, written, edited, and photographed (using digital video equipment) by Debra Eisenstadt, Daydream Believer was the winner of the Jury Prize at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sybil Kempson
David Mamet directed this screen version of his controversial two-character stage drama. John (William H. Macy) is a self-centered college professor preoccupied with his bid for tenure and negotiations for a house that he and his wife want to buy. Mary (Debra Eisenstadt), one of his students, comes by John's office after class; she's failing his course and is obviously confused by the material. Not really paying attention to her, John discusses his philosophies about education in an abstract manner rather than offering concrete suggestions on how to improve her grades. The discussion becomes confrontational and eventually Mary leaves. Several days later, Mary returns, announcing that on the advice of her "group" that she is filing sexual harassment charges against John based on a broad interpretation of his statements. If Mary's suit is successful, it could cost John his job -- and the house he's always wanted. Mamet's wife, actress and musician Rebecca Pidgeon, composed the film's musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- William H. Macy, Debra Eisenstadt, (more)
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