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ICON MAGAZINE REVIEW I doubt Steve Balderson ever anticipated seeing his film more than 250 times when he started the project for Firecracker, nor did he expect that he would spend the better part of the last eight years writing, researching and diligently working to create one of the most visually stunning, emotionally heavy films of this decade. The movie itself only took eight weeks to film. Balderson's persistence and hard work is finally gaining some momentum with the media and we're just beginning to hear the whirr and buzz about his latest project, Firecracker. With a Jury Prize nomination for Best Picture from the Raindance Film Festival in London last October, plus the recent nomination for Best Picture and win for Karen Black for Best Actress for her roles as Sandra/Eleanor at the Fantasporto International Film Festival 25 in Portugal (March 5, 2005), Steve Balderson is making his mark as an independent filmmaker, writer, and director. He completed his first film, Pep Squad, at the young age of 22. At 30, he is adorable and humble and matured, blessed by his supportive family. Father and Executive Producer, Clark Balderson, his gorgeous sister and actress-by-default Brooke Balderson (Pep Squad, Firecracker) and Steve's mother were among the many supporters of the private screening at the Glenwood Arts Theatre in Overland Park, Kansas this week. Long Story, Short David White was an abusive alcoholic who disappeared after an annual 4th of July carnival troupe visited the small town of Wamego. He was rumored to have had relations with the premier performer in the carnival sideshow. His body was discovered more than half a century ago in a shed three blocks away from Steve Balderson's childhood home. Steve's fascination with the disappearance and murder of David White spawned an interest in discovering the truth surrounding the events of the tragedy. Wamego had never seen such tragic occurrences. Balderson spent years researching, interviewing locals, and writing this story before it ever really began production. His style of filmmaking is such that it is edited before it is even filmed. Throughout the years, I tracked his progress at the Dikenga Films site (www.dikenga.com) when you had to be on a mailing list to find out when the next chapter of the film was completed. It is finally gaining some exposure and hopefully soon audiences too will be able to see it in theatres nationwide. Firecracker is a must-see! You don't want to miss this. What is so inspiring about this film? Steve Balderson possesses lucidity, attention for detail, and a refusal to compromise himself or his integrity to satiate the masses. He is not afraid of controversy. He is not afraid to push the envelope and does not find it necessary to clean up an image to appeal to people. Firecracker is truly an independent film. Steve, his father Clark, and the rest of his family built the gypsy salons themselves as the carnival folk would have done. He handpicked the stellar ensemble cast and worked day and night for seven years to make this film happen. I was impressed with him from the moment I first read about this project. I was fortunate enough to partake in the excitement of his recent success this week to see a private screening of the film and my heart fell short of stopping as I watched his story unfold. When asked to describe the documentary for Firecracker, Wamego, Balderson told Playlouder.com, "It's a cross between Madonna's Truth or Dare and something you'd see on National Geographic." One thing Balderson perfected was the insinuation
of torment. While some scenes are graphic, nothing is such the human
mind couldn't make worse. You are left somewhat sympathetic towards
Jimmy, to Sandra, perhaps neutral to Eleanor and you will loathe
Frank. You will loathe David. They are evil. Pure evil. Steve presents
Firecracker in such a way that what you take from the film is something
that awes you, bewilders you, and moves you. While parts of the
film are hard to watch, it is deliberately presented to be shocking.
The film exudes a gorgeous representation of color similar to Akira
Kurasawa's Dreams and reverts to Hitchcock-esque haunting black
and white imagery as the story bounces back and forth between what
is the seemingly glamorous and intriguing carnival life and the
simplistic small town life of Wamego. The stories ultimately intertwine
unassuming of the harsh reality of one's emotional plight and the
audience is left to interpret Balderson's vision and the meaning
of the imagery in the film. The continuity is flawless. It is an
optical delight to watch. The score is perfect. Filmed in its entirety in Wamego, Kansas, Firecracker offers a visual interpretation based on true and tragic events surrounding a man named David White. Ipecac Records co-founder and former lead singer of Faith No More, Mike Patton, stars in his debut role as David. Patton was originally cast to play a cameo part in the film and Dennis Hopper was brought on board to play Frank, however a decision was made regarding the performance of the dual roles for Frank and the character of David White. Steve felt that Hopper could not play both roles, as David White was some 20 years younger than the character of Frank. Thus, Mike Patton was extended the invitation for the role. Dennis Hopper ultimately was "let go" from the project in 2002, leaving room for Patton's acting debut. Patton is spectacular and believable, so much so that you actually forget that he is a musician, which is an affirmation that Patton can pretty much touch anything and make it gold. Jimmy (featuring promising newcomer Jak Kendall) plays David White's talented but timid baby brother - an emotionally tormented youth seeking love, acceptance and escape from the horrors of his drunken abusive brother and finds acceptance, glamour and love in Sandra. He is persistent in befriending her with hope that he can play piano, which disgusts his brother David. Jimmy and Sandra establish a trust and fondness for each other. He is a victim of his environment and of society. This is Jak's first feature film. Karen Black plays the suffering and scarred "girlie show" stage performer named Sandra who is held captive to the cruel and self-serving carnival owner Frank (Mike Patton). Sandra unfortunately is caught up in her own desperate attempt to escape her life's horrific experiences that she falls short of being that supportive mother figure and friend that Jimmy is desperately trying to have in his life. As Eleanor White, (David and Jimmy's mother), Karen plays a pious and somewhat helpless woman who relies on religion as her mental escape from the harsh reality of her life. Unfortunately, her delusions supercede her madness and in turn her family suffers. Karen Black absolutely shines in this film! Tidbits Originally, Golden Globe winner Karen Black (Five Easy Pieces, The Great Gatsby, Easy Rider, The Day of the Locust) declined to star in the role due to strong emotional content and Sally Kirkland took on the role of Eleanor. (Black signed on in 2000 after meeting Balderson personally.) In 2000, Steve brought Debbie Harry (Blondie) and Dennis Hopper (Blue Velvet, True Romance) on board. Hopper has been noted to say that Firecracker was one of the "best scripts he's ever read." Actor Edward Furlong (American History X, Terminator 2) expressed interest in playing Jimmy White, but Steve decided on newcomer Jak Kendall after the auditions. Sally Kirkland was ultimately removed from the cast in 2002 (as were Debbie Harry and Dennis Hopper) and Karen Black took on two roles in the film playing Eleanor and Sandra. The Enigma (Human Marvels, X-Files) and wife Katzen (Human Marvels), known mostly for their unique appearance, were an exceptional treat as they captured the essence of the image Balderson intended for his carnival performers reminiscent of Tod Browning's Freaks. Priceless is the look on Selene Luna's face after being taunted for wearing an "ugly hat." Susan Traylor (Heat, Bastard out of Carolina) plays the character of Ed with ease as a police chief trying to solve the mystery of David's disappearance. She is the culmination of three people that ultimately solved the case. In 2001, Palm Avenue Pictures offered money for the screenplay to replace Balderson with director Gus Van Sant (Elephant, Good Will Hunting). I must add that I am so proud of Steve for sticking to his original plan. Spectacular film. A+ ---------------------------------------- ICON Magazine - 2005
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