SXSW 2018 Review: DAMSEL

By Jan Hamilton

Damsel, written and directed by the Zellner Brothers, the filmmaking duo known for the wonderful film Kimiko the Treasure Hunter, is a western comedy, though not quite in the vein of Blazing Saddles.  Robert Pattinson (of the Twilight series) is Samuel, an earnest young man who enlists the aid of a preacher (David Zellner) to go with him to rescue his beloved fiancée from kidnappers.  They trek to a distant mountain cabin with a miniature horse and a ruby wedding ring for his Penelope (Mia Wasikowska).  When they reach the cabin, confusion ensues and the preacher accidentally shoots the kidnapper, who might not have been a kidnapper after all.  This is a strange film, but one that grew on me.  I recommend it as something unique and special. 

Film Credits:

Directors:  David Zellner, Nathan Zellner

Executive Producer:  Jim Reeve, Robert Halmi Jr.

Producer:  Nathan Zellner, Chris Ohlson, David Zellner

Screenwriter: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner

Cinematographer: Adam Stone

Editor: Melba Robichaux

Production Designer: Scott Kuzio

Music: The Octopus Project

Principal Cast: Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska,

David Zellner, Nathan Zellner, Robert Forster, Joe Billingiere

Additional Credits: Costume Designer: Terry Anderson

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