Saturday, October 07, 2006

An American in London

I've been trying for a while to figure out what "Piccadilly" refers to in the forthcoming Mormon-made Piccadilly Cowboy. From the start I suspected the title had to do with the crossroads of an American in England, which was correct—after a little hunting-gathering tonight I found the answer here and here.

From the start, I had a sense this particular move was a smart move for a Mormon filmmaker. Actually, there are two things going on I think are smart. First of all, this one doesn't breathe down the throat like so many Mormon-themed films. It doesn't appear to even be advertized as a Mormon-themed film, somewhat like Saints and Soldiers. In fact, the official website makes no mention (that I can find) of anything Mormon related about the film. Of course, it's Mormon-ness has been written about. But, as reviewed:

I also very much appreciated not having my own religion crammed down my throat for two hours.

Second, I'm so glad to see films made outside of the whole Utah context. I keep waiting for the film made by Mormons who are not United States natives. Like the French or Norwegian Mormon filmmaker. (I want my Mormon Jean de Florette.) In any case, this thing feels like a close runner up to that idea. It gives it another dimension.

Piccadilly is adapted from Bible story of Leah, Rachel, and Jacob—the man who waited 14 years for his love. Saith the Deseret News:

This "light-hearted romance" tells the story of an LDS cowboy from Montana who goes to work in London and decides to marry an English girl. But he's told by the girl's grandfather that he must first find a husband for the girl's older sister. Adventures ensue. If that sounds a little like the story of Rachel and Leah in the Bible, "that was my inspiration," said [Director Tyler] Ford. "I've always been intrigued with that story."

Lead actor Jaelan Petrie (pictured above and below), who plays the cowboy character Carson Wells, may have his first well-received role, though he's had roles in other annoying Mormon-themed films, including Handcart, which was notoriously panned by critics in the rush to make Mormon-themed films after Richard Dutcher's breakout with God's Army.

In any case, the official website has some catchy, fun music, and the photos and layout are pleasing enough for something of this caliber. A large version of the trailer can also be seen here.

As a side note, a good friend of mine once worked with Petrie for a short video which never saw completion, but, in my eyes, showed the visual potential of this actor. For your viewing pleasure, I've included some frames from that shoot. Hopefully my friend won't get upset that I posted them here!

posted by Rhapsidiomite @ 10:15 PM
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