Earthwork (2011)
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79% of critics liked it
(24 reviews) -
91% of users liked it
(196 ratings)
EARTHWORK is the true story of real-life crop artist Stan Herd (played by Oscar nominee and Spirit Award Winner for "Winter's Bone" John Hawkes, in his first starring role), told through a single episode of his life. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City and risked… More EARTHWORK is the true story of real-life crop artist Stan Herd (played by Oscar nominee and Spirit Award Winner for "Winter's Bone" John Hawkes, in his first starring role), told through a single episode of his life. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City and risked everything to create a massive environmental artwork on land owned by Donald Trump. The multi-acre piece was made from soil, rock, plants and vegetation near an underground railway tunnel. Stan recruited a number of homeless individuals living in the tunnel as his crew. Over the months it took to complete the earthwork, Stan dealt with the difficulties of bringing his unique, rural art form to an urban canvas and the many costs exacted upon his life. In an effort to show his unique perspective to a larger audience, Stan unexpectedly encountered the true meaning of his art and it's ultimate, lasting rewards. Shot almost entirely in rural Kansas (with a one-day shoot in New York City) on a minimal budget, EARTHWORK is Chris Ordal's feature film debut. Ordal, a University of Kansas alum, was taken by Stan Herd's dedication to his temporary art and found it the perfect story to tell through film, a permanent art form. "It was important to me that my first feature capture a story that needed to be told via the cinema. Stan Herd's art is temporary, eventually returning to the earth after it has lived its life. EARTHWORK is an attempt to share the beauty and truth that Stan creates with an audience through a medium that can last forever. Stan has to get people into a helicopter or a tall building in order for them to see his work, so getting his art on the big screen finally allows audiences to experience his art and discover his incredible story." The filmmakers were very determined to exemplify the spirit of Stan Herd throughout production, and thanks to an amazing and supportive crew, EARTHWORK was a production as "green" as the story it told. -- (C) Official Site
- Directed By
- Chris Ordal
- Written By
- Chris Ordal
- Genres
- Documentary, Drama, Musical & Performing Arts
PG,
- In Theaters
- Apr 29, 2011 Limited
- Studio
- Shadow Distribution
Critic Reviews
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Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The story has dramatic reversals, humor, suspense and plenty of colorful, eccentric characters.
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Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
"Earthwork" takes an unexpected swerve but one that adds layers of meaning and emotion to a film that is as beautiful and wrenching as it is unassuming.
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Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Character actor John Hawkes, his rural demeanor tailor-made for hick pics, breaks through typecasting stereotypes in his nuanced portrayal of crop artist Stan Herd in Chris Ordal's ambitious Earthwork.
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Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
John Hawkes brings a laconic soulfulness to this ultra-low-key, only mildly involving tale of artistic pursuit.
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V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Directed, written and produced by Chris Ordal, "Earthwork" is best left to TV.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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John Hawkes
as Stan Herd
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James McDaniel
as Lone Wolf
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Zach Grenier
as Mayor
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Laura Kirk
as Jan Herd
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Chris Bachand
as Ryan
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Sam Greenlee
as El-Trac
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Brendon Glad
as Cage
- Stan Herd
- Bruce MacVittie
- Scott Allegrucci
- Bob Augelli
