The feature directorial debut from Brooklyn-based filmmaker Annabelle Attanasio was years in the making. The writer and director of Mickey and the Bear had her theatrical premiere at Film Forum on Wednesday, November 13th following a successful festival run including SXSW and Cannes.
The story depicts the life of Mickey, a high school soon-to-be-graduate, and her opioid and alcohol addicted veteran father Hank. She does everything to keep their lives and home functioning. As much as these characters play a central role, so does the mining town of Anaconda, Montana. It's an actual town and was used as the shooting location with actual businesses.
Mickey works after school at a taxidermy shop. Annabelle revealed in the Q&A at Film Forum that the real taxidermist in Anaconda has a couple lines in the movie. They used his shop and Camila Morrone, who plays Mickey, got a short tutorial on taxidermy.
Hank is played by James Badge Dale, who has played numerous film and TV roles, but is probably best known for his role as Robert Leckie in The Pacific. He goes in and out of coherence, charm and abuse throughout the film.
Mickey and the Bear continues at Film Forum with Q&A accompanied screenings tonight and tomorrow. Check the schedule on their website.
Annabelle is also known as an actress (Bull, The Knick), but I am expecting to see more behind the camera work from her in the future. You can follow her progress on her website.
Below are a few pictures from the Wednesday evening screening as well as the trailer.
James Badge Dale, Annabelle Attanasio, and Eric Kohn (moderator)
Annabelle Attanasio
James Badge Dale