Pieces of April
Written and Directed by Peter Hedges. (2003)
Written over a period of three years, picked up and shut down three times before it was finally “greenlit,” PIECES OF APRIL became a Sundance Film Festival 2003 favorite, capturing the attention of critics, festival moviegoers, and a record sale to distributor United Artists. Marking the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated screenwriter and novelist Peter Hedges, the movie stars Katie Holmes, Patricia Clarkson, and Derek Luke, with Sean Hayes and Oliver Platt.
A poignant and funny film about a day in the life of a family trying to create new memories and make peace with the old, the acclaimed, independent film was shot in 16 days, mainly in New York City’s Lower East Side. The story centers on 21-year-old April Burns, who has never been on good terms with her mother and is convinced by her boyfriend to host the family Thanksgiving dinner. While April discovers her oven is broken and seeks neighbors to help, the Burns family drives toward the city recounting April’s failures. Although his wife persists in undermining his plans, April’s father is determined to create a bonding experience for the family, including April’s perfect-daughter sister, younger brother, and forgetful grandmother.
Reviews & Articles
New York Times
The Cancer Comedy Man
By JULIE SALAMON
Published: October 12, 2003