“It is not pornography”. A phrase one must remember when watching Eagles In The Chicken Coop, for this is a movie about the making of a late-night, made-for-television mature movie – not a porno. In true documentary (or mockumentary, really) form, the film shows how two struggling artists, one a director, the other an actor, find themselves amidst what they think is their big break in Hollywood. Only to discover that the film they have been hired to make is not what they were expecting. As they attempt to make the best of the opportunity, and try to turn a formulaic mature movie into art, the viewer is treated to a movie full of humor, passion, sabotage, and the all too realistic journey of the Hollywood dream. Bill (Brent Florence) and Armando (Kenny Luper) have been making movies together since they were teenagers. Their first, a short entitled Why?, as a message to their parent’s to urge them to not make the boys enter high school. This sets the tone for the film as we are introduced to their backgrounds and how their films have always seemed to mimic the trials and questions their lives have brought upon them. It is immediately obvious the movie is going to be playful, serious but funny, and full of character. Living in Los Angeles now for 13 years they have yet to succeed in the movie business. Bill is a manager at a pet store and Armando is studying to become a life coach; but they both still dream of making movies. When they sign on to write, direct, and star in this mature movie there is really only one requirement from the shady money-hungry production company: make sure every five and a half minutes there is one of the already written, and agreed upon, sex scenes. Believing they can make an art piece, with important themes and something to say about love, while adhering to the stipulation, Bill and Armando assemble their production team and begin shooting. This is where the fun begins for when the dailies are delivered to Mary (Kathleen Quinlan), the producer, the art they are creating is anything but what the company wants. Resulting in them throwing every possible obstacle at Bill and Armando to sabotage their “artsy” skin flick.
Whether the film will be made and the boys succeed in Hollywood is for the viewer to discover. What can be said is that the movie provides enough entertainment to keep you invested for the majority. Watching Quinlan as Mary use every trick and power play she has to thwart the production is hilarious to watch. Even more so if you have ever experienced the life of an independent filmmaker. Having the lead actress of the mature movie, Summer (Chloe Snyder), complain over the lines she is given but rejoice during sex scenes is unforgettable as she makes it no secret where her talent exists. Bill and Armando hold the true spirit of filmmaking in them. The idea of making the best of a situation and working with what you are given to deliver the best product you can. These gentle, sweet, hungry men just want to be proud of the work they are doing. Watching their film fall apart is heartbreaking yet hilarious at the same time. Seeing them learn quickly how to manipulate the situation will have you laughing and internally cheering them on to win. As much as it would be grand to have absolutely no flaws in the film there is one, the length. The third act runs long and you find yourself yearning to learn their fate only to have to continue to wait far too long.
As a spotlight film of the 2010 Feel Good Film Festival it definitely was well suited for this particular festival as you walk away from the film with a positive feeling, regardless of the somewhat uncertain and bleak ending for the two documented filmmakers. The film took home Best Director for Brent Florence at the festival. More information on the film directly can be found at its website here.
