After production occurred back in early 2011, it’s been quite a road for an adaptation of Willie Vlautin‘s The Motel Life to finally arrive to screens. The drama, directed by Gabe and Alan Polsky, finally premiered at 2012’s Rome Film Festival and nearly a year later it will be hitting screens. Today brings our first trailer for the project, which stars Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff and Dakota Fanning.
Following two independent brothers who must flee after a fatal hit-and-run accident, the reviews coming out of the premiere were positive, but not effusive. Screen Daily says it had strong components, “vaguely reminiscent of Raymond Carver stories and Edward Hopper images, with a solid cast, a great cinematographer and some inspired animation,” but they wished there was a better plot. The first trailer, which is fairly promising, gives us a look at the animation, which might catch some off guard, but hopefully will be seamlessly integrated. Check it out below along with a synopsis and a theatrical poster.
THE MOTEL LIFE explores the intense bond between two brothers living on the fringes of Reno, Nevada. They grew up depending on each other and their big imaginations to escape the challenges of their transient life. When one of the brothers is involved in a fatal accident, it forces both of them to choose between running or facing reality. It is a story of brotherhood, shared dreams and the redemptive power of hope.
The Motel Life will hit theaters and VOD on November 8th, 2013.