Virgil Bliss (2001)
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71% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
31% of users liked it
(381 ratings)
In this stark independent drama, Virgil (Clint Jordan) is a small-time thief with a bad temper and poor social skills who winds up in prison for armed robbery. But Virgil wants to make something better of his life, and when he makes parole, he's determined to get (and keep) a decent job, hoping… More In this stark independent drama, Virgil (Clint Jordan) is a small-time thief with a bad temper and poor social skills who winds up in prison for armed robbery. But Virgil wants to make something better of his life, and when he makes parole, he's determined to get (and keep) a decent job, hoping to someday find a good woman and start a family. While living in a halfway house, Virgil meets Ruby (Kirsten Russell), a drug addict who sometimes turns tricks to support her habit. While Rudy isn't quite the sort of woman Virgil was dreaming of, they share a genuine affection for each other, and Virgil moves in with Ruby after getting a job as a janitor. Like Virgil, Ruby wants to straighten out her life, hoping to someday regain custody of her son, but both Ruby and Virgil find that a lifetime of emotional abuse and years of bad judgement are not simple things to overcome. Shot on digital video, Virgil Bliss had its premier at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Joe Maggio
- Written By
- Joe Maggio
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 22, 2001 Wide
- Studio
- First Run Features
Critic Reviews
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Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
An overly familiar scenario is made fresh by an intelligent screenplay and gripping performances in this low-budget, video-shot, debut indie effort.
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V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Too bad Maggio couldn't come up with a better script.
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Dave Kehr, New York Times
Shot largely in small rooms, the film has a gentle, unforced intimacy that never becomes claustrophobic.
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Dennis Lim, Village Voice
Stale, futile scenario.
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Raw independent drama with great naturalistic performances.
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)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
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Cast
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Clint Jordan
as Virgil Bliss
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Kirsten Russell
as Ruth
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Jason Jones
as prisoner
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Patrick Sullivan
as drug dealer
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Patrick Walsh
as little guard
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Marc Romeo
as Devo
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Richard Bierman
as Brady check-out guard
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John Hegeman
as big guard
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Greg Amici
as Gilette
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Denny Bess
as Lombardo
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Anthony Gorman
as Manny Alvarez
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Anthony Hayden
as Lester
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Tom Brangle
as captain
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Whitney Hamilton
as Virgil's boss
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Alejandra Leon
as prostitute 2
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Mike Bubb
as prisoner
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Ted Hamm
as Prisoner
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Alan Reeder
as prisoner
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Matthew Auriemma
as prisoner
