Putty Hill


Putty Hill is a 2010 American independent drama film directed by Matthew Porterfield, and starring Sky Ferreira, Zoe Vance, and James Siebor. The plot focuses on friends and family who gather to remember a young man in the aftermath of his death and attempt to reconstruct his last days.

Plot

The film revolves around a community of friends and family as they cope with the untimely death of a young man named Cory in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout the film the characters engage one on one with the camera discussing their relationship to Cory and their reactions to his death.

Cast

Filming took place in and around Baltimore, Maryland. The film is noted for utilizing mainly nonprofessional actors who play themselves in a fictional story. Much of the dialogue was created through conversations Matthew Porterfield had with the actors prior to filming. The director names mainly European directors as influences, such as Pedro Costa and Robert Bresson.

Reception

Putty Hill was premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Roger Ebert reviewed the film giving it 4 out of 4 stars. The film was designated a New York Times Critic's Pick as well. The film had its Baltimore premiere within Maryland Film Festival to two sold-out screenings in May, 2010. It was acquired for U.S. distribution by The Cinema Guild.
Putty Hill currently holds a rating of "75%" based on 28 reviews from critics.