"A filmed play, and feels like one, but the performances are good, and the single ugly setting ... makes for an even more compellingly unpleasant confessional." ........... Dave White IFILM

"The actors do justice to this potent and insightful script, filling the screen with explosive energy." Dennis Schwartz OZUS' WORLD MOVIE REVIEWS "Ethan Hawke Robert Sean Leonard, and Uma Thurman all turn in very solid performances." John Venable SUPERCALA.COM "The performances are amazingly charged and fluid." Peter Rainer NEW YORK MAGAZINE "As the film progresses and voices are raised the audience is dealt a very interesting and compelling film." Anthony Miele FILM THREAT "For the most part, Tape is smart and deftly executed, with Hawke, in particular, as the resentful Vince, making a vivid impression." Liam Lacey GLOBE AND MAIL

"If there's ever been another movie in which any of the three leads has given a better performance, I haven't seen it." Joe Leydon SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER "The freedom of Linklater's shooting style ... gives the movie an incredibly spontaneous feel." Glenn Kenny PREMIERE MAGAZINE "Belber's clever writing shifts our perceptions constantly" Laura Clifford REELING REVIEWS "A refreshing acting exercise for both the actors and the audience that works because of the freedom digital video extends." Annlee Ellingson BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE "Tape look simpler than it is. Linklater is well-known for making pictures where characters talk a lot, and this one's claustrophobic setting and small cast provide a tighter narrative a nd formal focus than usual." Cynthia Fuchs POPMATTERS

At A Glance

"You feel less like you're watching a film and more like you're at an award-winning Broadway play with a killer cast." Steve Rhodes STEVE RHODES' INTERNET REVIEWS

If you haven't been to the theatre lately and you enjoy the intimate feel of a damn good stage play then take this tip, go see "Tape". It feels like a stage play, it acts out like a stage play, it's adapted by Stephen Belber from his original stage play and it looks like astage play. There's an old saying, "if it quacks like a duck", yes you got it, "it sure as hell must be a duck". "Tape" is a caustic, scintillating, exciting and at times, nasty piece of goods but it 'is' a classy production. Because "Tape" is contained to just three actors and is set in a dingy, dimly lit motel room, there is a distinct feel of intimacy about it. It gives the feel of being there as a particpant in the drama which unfolds. "Tape" is a soul bearing little number and should not be dismissed as 'just another indie film'. The cast are big, the dialogue is bold and cutting, while the camera cuts back and forth to capture the banter. In fact there is so much emotion generated that you really wish Ethan Hawke's character Vince would get totally punched out. He really is a hypocritical prick. Hawke is strong as the bullying Vince and puts in a fine performance as do Robert Sean Leonard & Uma Thurman.
There is something about Uma Thurman . Thurman is a chameleon, an actress full of variations who both fascinates and intrigues with her performances. From the virginal convent girl in "Dangerous Liasons", as a daughter in "Where The Heart Is", to her classic role in the magnificent Merchant Ivory film "The Golden Bowl" to her Academy Award winning role in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", Thurman has shown she has class and the ability to captivate an audience. "Tape" is no exception.
Robert Sean Leonard may not be a familiar name to many cinema-goers but don't let that worry you. The Tony Award nominee has appeared on stage in some huge productions including "The Iceman Cometh" [with Kevin Spacey], Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia", the immortal "Candida" and the recently revived "Music Man". The 2001 Tony Award winner [Tom Stoppard's "The Invention of Love"] has appeared in a number of films including "Much Ado About Nothing" [with Denzel Washington and Emma Thompson], "The Age of Innocence" [with Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pheiffer] and "Mr and Mrs Bridge" [with Paul Newman] to name a few. "Tape" sees Leonard-Jon cast as Jon Salter, the man on the receiving end of Vinces 'inquisition'.
Ethan Hawke stars as volunteer fireman and small time drug dealer Vince. It is a role vastly different than those we have seen Hawke in previously but it is a goodie. Hawke has appeared with both his fellow cast members before. He appeared in "Dead Poets Society" with Robert Sean Leonard and "Gattaca" with Uma Thurman. Actually he and Leonard share something in common. Here's the hot gossip. "Another interesting aspect of the project for us was that Ethan and I actually once shared a girlfriend some years ago," he said with a hint of a smile. "So in this case our personal history also fed the dramatic situation." There was another link between Hawke and "Tape" for he had worked with Richard Linklater previously on the 1997 production "The Newton Boys". Hawke has had a solid career in film since his debut at the age of 14 in the sci-fi film "Explorers". Since then, Hawke has established himself in film as an actor and director ["Straight To One"], while extending his talents as a writer for the theatre. Hawke's film credits include, "Reality Bites" [with Wynona Ryder], "White Fang", "Before Sunrise" and the critically acclaimed films, "Snow Falling On Cedars" and "Before Sunrise". Love him or hate him as Vince, one things clear, Hawke certainly can act.
And what can one say about Richard Linklater that hasn't already been written. The ex oil rig worker who debuted with a documentary style film called "Slackers" is better known for films like "Dazed and Confused", "Before Sunrise" and one seen last year, the animated "Waking Life" [a film which left many questioning the meaning of their life]. His style of directing has always divided the critics but in the case of "Tape", Linklater ensures the audience feels as much passion as the characters do. Recommended for lovers of strong, robust, intimate theatre. The Story

"For a movie set completely inside a dingy motel room, Tape is a thrilling piece of experimental cinema." ................ Derek Tse JAM! MOVIES

Jon Salter has returned to his home town of Lansing, Michigan for an annual film festival. His old high school buddy Vince is also in town and wants to hook up with him. Vince, a small time drug dealer and volunteer fire fighter and Jon share a common interest. They both dated Amy Randall during their graduation year. While their initial meeting is friendly and jovial, the mood soon changes as Vince starts on Jon, accusing him of raping Amy. Jon has had this arguement before with Vince. All the resentment Vince has harboured for ten years is about to come out. He harrasses Jon and backs him into a confession of sorts. Finally, after ten years Vince has what he wants. He gleefully announces to Jon that he has taped their conversation and taunts him with it. Vince is really testing their friendship [or what's left of it]. But there is worse to come. He then smugly tells Jon that he has invited Amy to meet with them. Things are really starting to get out of hand. Way out of hand. Jon wants the tape. Vince wants revenge. Can either win? The Verdict "A solid absorbing drama. Builds to a great ending. Feels like theatre, plays like theatre. Three actors, three pasts but only one outcome. If you love intimate theatre or dark, brooding productions that build and build then try "Tape" on for size. Works well because its use of digital cameras allows for rapid movement from character to character. This quickly captures the characters changing expressions and creates a feeling of being there in that dingy half-lit motel room, sitting on the bed and soaking up the verbal sparring." The Cast

Ethan Hawke Robert Sean Leonard Uma Thurman

... ... ...

Vince Jon Salter Amy Randall

The Crew Adapted from the stage play by Stephen Belber Directed by Richard Linklater Screenplay by Stephen Belber Produced by Alexis Alexanian/Anne Walker-McBay & Gary Winick Co-Produced by Robert Cole & David Richenthal Executive Producers Caroline Kaplan/Jonathan Sehring & John Sloss Cinematography by Maryse Alberti Film Editing by Sandra Adair Production Design by Stephen J Beatrice Set Decoration by Christopher P Peroni Costume Design by Catherine Marie Thomas Production Supervisor Jake Abraham Run Time 89 minutes Rated M15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2003 - Lions Gate Films - All Rights Reserved Copyright ©2003 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved