Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, ARIZONA – One of my favorite actresses will make her big screen directorial debut at Tribeca. Mary Stuart Masterson’s THE CAKE EATERS stars and was written by Jayce Bartok. It was widely reported that Jessica Yu (whose film PROTAGONIST debuted at Sundance earlier this year) was being tapped to direct but the role ultimately went to Masterson. The film tells the story of a prodigal son’s return that conjures up old ghosts for three generations of two different families in a small, quiet town. Masterson’s debut feature unfolds the intimate secrets and tensions that compel these families to move forward. Shot in upstate New York, the film also features Thomas Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin, Kristin Stewart, Aaron Stanford, Bruce Dern, Elizabeth Ashley and Miriam Shor.

I’ve loved Masterson ever since AT CLOSE RANGE. The film starred Christopher Walken, Sean Penn and the late Christopher Penn. Based on a true story about family of thieves, Masterson plays the love interest of Brad Whitewood, Jr. Brad, Senior (Walken) fears that she is a threat to the family gang and decides to “eliminate” his problem. Walken gives a chilling speech about how Masterson is like “a coyote bitch in heat who draws the dogs out into the wilderness so they can be hunted down and killed by the pack.” It is one of the best Walken scenes I’ve ever seen. Masterson’s “entrance” in the film shows the young Penn cruising through the center of town. The camera finds the young Masterson and circles her slowly, like a young man on the hunt.

Early in her film career, Masterson was known for those sorts of scenes. In SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, she played the best friend of Eric Stoltz. While he poured out his desire for another girl, Masterson gave helpful advice on how to win her over. In the end, they figured out they were attracted to each other. Their cinematic kiss was some kind of wonderful. I recall the headline on the USA TODAY review mentioning that kiss. I’m looking forward to seeing if Director Masterson can generate and capture similar moments between her actors. At least she has a good sense of what those moments look and feel like as an actor.

My favorite Masterson film, by far, is FRIED GREEN TOMATOES. Also starring Mary Louise Parker and Kathy Bates, the film was based on the novel by FANNIE FLAGG. Playing the headstrong Imogene (Idgie) Threadgoode, Masterson inhabited the role and imbued the film with dozens of great moments. The film has been running a lot on cable the last two weeks so I’ve had the chance to catch it a few more times. “The secret’s in the sauce.”

For more information on Masterson and her projects, check out Mary Stuart Masterson.Com. Thanks to Claudia for correction info on Yu.