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The Tollbooth |
Wed., Dec. 7; 3:30 pm
Southern Premiere
Hamptons International FF, Best Narrative Feature,
2004
United States, 2004; Debra Kirschner, director
English; 84 minutes
Starring Tovah Feldshuh (Golda’s Balcony) and
Marla Sokoloff ( TV’s The Practice), this film
explores the dynamics of a contemporary
Jewish-American family in Brooklyn. On one level,
it’s a coming-of-age story of three close sisters
and the disapproval they face from their traditional
Jewish parents (one dates a non-Jewish boy, one is a
lesbian, one has a husband who’s a financial flop).
Decidedly upbeat in its poking fun at a harried
mother who thirsts only for a gaggle of Jewish
son-in-laws and grandchildren, it also asks more
critical questions as well that frame tradition vs.
feminism in a Jewish context. As Sarabeth, the
youngest daughter asks, "What is the point of being
chosen if you don’t have any choices?"
With a hilarious edge reminiscent of "My Big Fat
Greek Wedding" and "Kissing Jessica Stein,” the film
is exudes both self-mockery and embracing one’s one
culture.
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