Off The Boulevard

Off The Boulevard is a 2011 independent film directed and co-written by Jeff Santo. It is a drama that revolves around the struggle of independent filmmakers to have their voices heard and their art recognized.

The movie tells the story of Troy Duffy, the writer and director of the cult classic film The Boondock Saints, who after the success of his first film, has had a tough time getting his subsequent projects off the ground. In Off The Boulevard, Duffy plays himself, and the film chronicles his struggles to finance and produce his follow-up film, The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day.

Alongside Duffy, the film also features Sanel Budimlic and David Della Rocco, both of whom co-starred with Duffy in The Boondock Saints. Budimlic plays the role of a struggling independent filmmaker trying to make his way in Hollywood. Della Rocco, on the other hand, plays himself and serves as a mentor and friend to Duffy in the film.

The movie follows the three men as they navigate the harsh realities of the film industry, including studio politics, funding challenges, and the cut-throat world of Hollywood. The movie shines a light on the challenges faced by filmmakers, especially those outside the Hollywood system, and underscores the importance of perseverance, passion, and collaboration in the face of adversity.

One of the central themes of the movie is the struggle for creative control. The film portrays Duffy as a fierce defender of his creative vision, a filmmaker whose passion for his work is matched only by his determination to see it realized on screen. At the same time, however, Off The Boulevard shows the tenuous balancing act between creative control and financial backing, illustrating the compromises that must often be made in order to get a film made.

Another crucial aspect of the movie is the power of friendship and camaraderie. Duffy, Budimlic, and Della Rocco have a deep bond that is portrayed in the film as essential to their survival in the film industry. They support each other through difficult times, share advice and knowledge, and serve as sounding boards for each other's ideas.

Off The Boulevard also touches on larger issues such as the commodification of art and the challenges faced by independent artists in a world where big-budget blockbusters dominate the marketplace. The film depicts a world where creativity is often stifled by bureaucracy and red tape, where financial risk-taking is discouraged in favor of safe, formulaic productions.

Overall, Off The Boulevard is a moving, insightful film that offers a poignant and honest look at the struggles of independent filmmakers. It is a movie that celebrates the power of creativity, persistence, and friendship, and that underscores the importance of supporting independent artists in a world that too often prioritizes commercial success over artistic expression.