It's funny that this film starts out with a blurb about 'The Heroes Journey' and speaks about it several times during the film. Joseph Campbell speaks of 'The Heroes Journey' and 'Following Your Bliss'. This is the perfect concept for independent film makers. Taking the Heroes Journey means to step away from your comfort zone and go on a journey, your journey. Part of this concept is to follow your bliss. Go after what you want, even if it means your comfort zone will disappear. It also means that your money source may dry up, your friends and family will think you're crazy. But it has to be YOUR journey. My advice to all is follow that bliss, it's the only way to truly be happy in life. Check the theory here to make sure you know what it's all about.
Now, about this film Off the Boulevard. It centers on several musicians and actors who are following their bliss. They are trying to make it as an independent artist in the music and film industry.
One of the producers, Troy Duffy, is the man behind Boondock Saints. Troy is a great example of following his bliss. He did and made a great film, unfortunately, Hollywood can suck big time, and Troy was, for lack of a better term, F'd over really bad. However, this film features Troy speaking about Boondock and he is an executive producer on Off The Boulevard film.
Featured in the film are such people as; Troy, speaking of Boondock Saints, Sanel Budlimic, David Della Rocco, Bob Rubin, Keith Jackson, Nick Nicholson, Jeff Santo, Peter Fonda, Joe Mantegna, Gilby Clarke, Sonny Barger, Dan Haggerty, Eddie Vedder, Ron Santo, Taylor Duff, Leon Mintek, Miles Soley, Solin Abrahall, Doug Flint, Kemal Hadzic, Bila Zaklan and Byron Filson.
This group features some successful actors and musicians. It also features some actors and musicians who should and might make it to the big time.
Bob Rubin is a stand-up comedian who also does some acting. He's very funny, as funny as anyone out there working right now.
Sanel Budimlic's story is particularly compelling. He is a Bosnian refugee who came to America to be an actor. He is charming, talented and the audience of this doc will love him. He is the classic American story, yes CLASSIC AMERICAN STORY. (Soapbox in place)...He came to the country, (our forefathers founded this country), to escape oppression from his own country, (to find a place where they can separate church and state and be free and safe). When it comes right down to it, the United States started out as an independent project. I have stepped away from the soap box. Regardless, Sanel is delightful.
David Della Rocco, who everyone calls Rocco, was in Boondock Saints and rocked the movie big time. He does substitute teaching right now to earn a living.
Sonny Barger makes a few brief appearances, he is a co-founder of The Hell's Angels. It would have been interesting to hear more of his insights, but unfortunately, he can barely speak.
This film is full of inspiring stories; Troy Duffy and his little film that could and finally did (but along the way he never got the money that should have gone with it), Sanel Budlimic, who literally fought for his life and came to this country to act. Sanel found a wife and has a baby and a shot at acting he would never have had in Bosnia. Bob Rubin plugs away at the comedy clubs, a clown hiding the tears, but just barely. Keith Jackson who runs a bar, and has several albums out. He is punk, he is rockabilly and his is independent. He actually gave his CDs away to get the CD out into the world. Nick Nicholson is a country western singer with great potential. He works in the medical field by day and travels on the weekend playing gigs and getting his music out to the public on weekends.
All of the people listed above have a lot to say about following your bliss. Many of them speak of hard knocks, many have minor and major successes. Regardless, they did followed their bliss and Off The Boulevard tells their story very well.
Bottom line is, it's hard to make it in show business. However, it's impossible to make it if you don't leave your comfort zone and try.
This film is out on DVD and you can and should buy it here. http://www.santofilms.com/store/OTBDVD.html
Comments