Jagjaguwar Records, home to bands Dinosaur Jr., Sunset Rubdown and Bon Iver, plan to release the debut film “The Builder” by former Drunk (that’s a band) member R. Alverson. The film is about an Irish immigrant that sets off for the countryside of NY in order to build a replica of an early American cape house. However, he soon finds himself mentally and physically exhausted. Judging from the trailer (posted below), the film will focus on the distance between friends and family and the exhaustion of living. Not for the escapists, that’s for sure. The film appears to be reminiscent of the Dardenne Brothers, with the dreary lighting and closely framed camera, so color this writer extremely excited. The film also comes highly recommended from David Gordon Green, saying “‘The Builder’ carves a unique, welcome mental space.” Unlike the Dardennes, this one will contain music featuring Gregor Samsa, label mates Bon Iver, and Spokane himself.
This marks another record label releasing a film, with Drag City Records releasing Harmony Korine’s “Trash Humpers” and Warp releasing various films including the jihadist-farce “Four Lions.” These indie music labels, along with Beastie Boy Adam Yauch’s Oscilloscope Laboratories, have made it much easier for smaller budgeted films to find an audience. Hopefully they continue to acquire and release these kind of films that wouldn’t have a home otherwise, and maybe other record labels will follow suit. These labels don’t seem to be interested in making millions, and will take chances on indie films that other studios wouldn’t even give a second look to.
“The Builder” will be released July 27th on Jagjaguwar Records. Alverson has already completed his sophomore effort “New Jerusalem” which stars “The Builder” protagonist Colm O’Leary and musician Will Oldham/Bonnie “Prince” Billy. You can find information about the film here, which is currently making rounds in the festival circuit.
