Hesher
2010 · United States · 106 min
- Director
- Spencer Susser
- Screenplay
- David Michôd
- Producer
- Natalie Portman, Lucy Cooper
- Music
- François Tétaz
- Editing
- Michael McCusker
Cast
What it is about
After the death of his mother in a car accident, teenager T.J. and his father sink into depression. T.J. becomes fixated on the wrecked car his mother died in. Then Hesher, a tattooed, foul-mouthed thrash metal fan, moves into the family home and upends their routine.
How it was made
Spencer Susser started out in commercial post-production before turning to directing, and he wrote the script with David Michôd from a story by Brian Charles Frank. The project was partly shaped by the death of one of Susser's brothers. Natalie Portman, whom Susser had met while filming a behind-the-scenes video on the set of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, joined as the female lead and made her debut as a producer. The title character drew on Cliff Burton, the former Metallica bassist, and the band allowed the film to use its logo font and songs. After John C. Reilly left the project, Joseph Gordon-Levitt took the role.
Reception and legacy
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010, where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. It reached US cinemas in 2011 to mixed reviews and modest box office returns. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone praised Gordon-Levitt's performance. It remains the only feature Susser has written and directed.
Stills
Trailer
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Trivia
Metallica inspiration
The character drew on Cliff Burton, former bassist of Metallica. The band allowed the film to use its logo on the poster and its songs on the soundtrack.
A recast role
John C. Reilly left the project, and the role of Hesher went to Joseph Gordon-Levitt after rehearsals had begun with another actor.
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