PRESENTS
Paul Giamatti
THE HAWK IS DYING
Michelle Williams
Robert Wisdom
Rusty Schwimmer
Ann Wedgeworth
and Michael Pitt
Written for the Screen and Directed by Julian Goldberger
PRODUCTION NOTES
Running Time: 106 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1:85 / Dolby SR
Not Rated
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BIG HEART PICTURES presents in association with EXILE PRODUCTIONS
An ANTIDOTE FILMS production
In association with THIS IS THAT/ NEXT WEDNESDAY
A film by Julian Goldberger
Paul Giamatti
THE HAWK IS DYING
Michelle Williams
Robert Wisdom
Rusty Schwimmer
Ann Wedgeworth
and Michael Pitt
Written for the screen and Directed by
JULIAN GOLDBERGER
Based upon the book by
HARRY CREWS
Produced by
JEFFREY LEVY-HINTE
MARY JANE SKALSKI
Executive Produced by
TED HOPE
Executive Producers
CORBIN DAY
JEANNE LEVY-HINTE
Co-Producer
JOSHUA ZEMAN
Director of Photography
BOBBY BUKOWSKI
Production Designer
JUDY BECKER
Editor
AFFONSO GONÇALVES
Costume Designer
APRIL NAPIER
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Sound Designer and Supervisor
FRANK GAETA
Original Music
JONATHAN GOLDBERGER
Music Supervisor
TRACY McKNIGHT
Casting Director
FELICIA FASANO, CSA
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THE HAWK IS DYING
Synopsis
George Gattling is a man out of place in the world and out of place in his own skin.
An auto-upholsterer by trade, he lives with his divorced sister Precious, and her 20 year-old
autistic son, Fred. He’s also the unwitting case study of a “life-gone-wrong” for Betty, a
young psychology student who works at his shop.
George seeks salvation in hawks. He dreams of capturing and training the noble birds of
prey. An ancient art that requires precision, falconry is the obsession he shares with Fred.
In the quiet pre-dawn tracking of the birds, George Gattling feels like a man temporarily
freed from the absurdity of civilized life.
After several years of failed attempts, George and Fred capture the most magnificent bird
they have ever seen – the red-tailed hawk. That night, George experiences a tragedy greater
than he’s ever known. Grief stricken, George sees his only chance to survive tied together
with the bird. He becomes determined to tame her – and to do that he will not eat or sleep,
nor will she, until it’s all over. At his weakest moment, George locks himself into a battle of
wills with the only creature on earth that would rather die than submit.
To the rest of the world, it appears George has gone mad; the closer he gets to achieving
success, the crazier his family thinks he’s become. Betty is the only one who realizes that
George must take himself to the bottom to truly be saved. She watches as George succumbs
to a world where the senses are awakened and emotions are unchecked…a world where one
can see and feel the “blood of things.”
The Hawk Is Dying is based on the book by Harry Crews, one of America’s great
contemporary authors.
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THE HAWK IS DYING
A Conversation with Director/Writer Julian Goldberger
ON PLACE
No matter where you are, somehow the environment informs who you are. Unlike Southern
Florida (Miami, the Everglades), Central Florida is not often seen on film. It is unique in
that it has a somewhat haunted quality in connection to its’ past. It still has a lot of the
texture, a lot of the nuances of the old South, – cracker houses, fish-camps, soul food joints,
feed shops, and scrap yards; all resisting engulfment from the modern sprawl. The Spanish
moss and ancient oak trees hang like gothic ornaments to the whole scene.
Central Florida is quiet, not hurried or frenetic. The energy of the place comes up from the
swamps, the wetlands and permeates everything with a quiet fierceness. Those aspects of the
region really speak to me, and inform the character.
ON AESTHETICS
Bobby Bukowski (director of photography) and I looked at the work of photographer Todd
Hido – his lighting in particular and the way he shoots night.
I also looked at the work of Clarence John Laughlin -- a photographer who shot the old
South – Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Georgia specifically. He is more of a visionary
photographer who captured the dream-like aspects, the ghosts of the region and the
environment. His interests were very much in line with Flannery O’Connor’s spiritual
connection to place.
It’s a funny thing about tone and style. You talk about influences and look at photographs
or paintings before shooting. When it comes to making the film, though, you have to drop
all that, and don’t look back, instead opening up a clear line of communication with the
environment and the characters. We looked at the light in central Florida at that time of year.
We observed the behavior of the characters in relationship to the environment in which they
live. Through that kind of organic dialogue, a style and an aesthetic started to evolve. The
difficult part is in trusting the road you’re on. If it’s not too familiar, you’re in good shape.
ON MAN’S RELATIONSHIP TO NATURE
Henry Miller wrote a critique of American culture entitled The Air Conditioned Nightmare
in which he states that nowhere else in the world is the divorce between man and nature so
complete. 60 years later, I think it’s fair to say that we haven’t made any plans for
reconciliation. I think that’s kind of alarming. It’s definitely an aspect of this narrative. It’s
in the blood of this film -- that kind of divorce, separation. It is something that we have to
reckon with. George Gattling definitely has that moment of reckoning via the hawk, his
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contact with the wild. George isn’t willing yet to move to Alaska and live out his Jack
London fantasies, so instead “the wild” comes to him and functions as an intervention.
ON HARRY CREWS
He’s one of the legends of Southern literature. His fiction has a rap of being testosterone
driven and freak obsessed. His work is much more complex and resonant than that. He
draws characters that subject their own bodies to all sorts of physical hardship in order to
exercise some power over a world that seems unsympathetic or antagonistic to their
existence. Who can’t relate to that?
I’ve met him once during the shoot and we’ve talked a lot on the phone. He is an
intimidating dude. But he’s also incredibly gracious and supportive. He once said he didn’t
care if I made a goddam musical out of THE HAWK IS DYING. His book is in the library
and it stands on its’ own. Had we made a musical though, I do think he would have tracked
me down and kicked my ass.
ON DEATH, GRIEF, EMOTION
Through the relationship George has with the hawk, he is able to express deep emotions –
especially about the death of Fred. All of us have dangerous, un-nameable impulses that we
hide to appear civilized, rational. But death and grief are emotions that are savage and
unorganized and irrational. The hawk provides George Gattling with and outlet for those
impulses.
ON SPIRITUALITY
Flannery O’Connor has had a huge impact on my work. One of the things she said that
really stuck with me has to do with developing an anagogical vision – the ability to see
different levels of reality in one image or situation that deepens the meaning of a story.
It’s a way of reading nature that is definitely connected to spirituality, the divine, the
transcendental even. Anagogical vision was something that was originally used to interpret
the bible.
The visions that occur in the movie operate on many different levels; it’s up to the viewer
to interpret them, though. If you want to see Fred’s ascension up through the water as a
rebirth, a sort of Christ-like thing, for example, it’s there for you.
I think it’s my own relationship to the divine, a natural curiosity to the larger mystery that
compels me to investigate those questions – through character. Fred definitely is a sort of
innocent. His relationship to grace is clear. George, on the other hand, is seriously
struggling with his beliefs, his purpose. Through terror and crisis, George finally sees his
freedom. By putting the hawk on his wrist, for the first time he is released from the sadness
and despair of his life.
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ON PAUL GIAMATTI
I could say so much about Paul, but I feel it would never be enough. He’s such a fearless
actor and the facets to who he is and how he approaches the work are undeniably inspiring.
To watch him give voice to George Gattling was awesome. At the same time, it was very
unsettling to watch him deal with the pain of the character. When the cameras are rolling
you must bear witness to this expression that you’ve written and are now directing, and in a
way, are forced to feel with the characters, take after take. I have tremendous respect for
actors like Paul. He’s one of the greats.
ON MUSIC
I use music when I’m writing, scouting and shooting. None of that literally gets into the film,
though. Instead, it’s embedded somehow as a feeling. It’s such an interesting process,
because music is a gateway to the subconscious. I find it provides access to more interesting
ideas and choices.
I also talked to Paul and the cast about music. The music I suggested to Paul was Tibetan,
particularly that of the monks. There is something about the chanting, symbols and bowls
that is deep, primal, frightening, and wild – ideal for George Gattling’s wake-up call.
Working on the score with my brother was challenging because we wanted to create
something original that tapped into the natural ambient frequencies of central Florida. We
knew we didn’t want to use the typical instrumentation that is often used to tip the audience
off that they were watching a movie set in the South. So we ruled out the banjo and blues
slide guitar, as well as any southern rock idiom.
In addition to a string quartet, my brother used mainly archaic American instruments,
including the ukelin, which has a strong drone-like quality. When he discovered the
instrument and started to integrate it into the score, it became clear that this was the way to
open up access to the inner regions of the film.
.
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THE HAWK IS DYING
About the Cast
PAUL GIAMATTI (George Gattling)
With a diverse roster of finely etched, critically acclaimed performances, Paul Giamatti has
established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Giamatti appeared in Ron Howard's Cinderella Man, opposite Russell Crowe and Renee
Zellweger. For the role of boxer Jim Braddock's trainer, Giamatti was advised by Angelo
Dundee, the boxing legend who trained 15 world champions -- including Muhammad Ali.
His performance has earned him the Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe Award
nomination, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Giamatti also appeared in M. Night Shyamalan's Lady in the Water alongside co-star Bryce
Dallas Howard. Giamatti plays a building super who finds someone else hiding in the
mundane routine of the modest building, a mysterious young woman named Story (Bryce
Dallas Howard), who has been living in the passageways beneath the building's swimming
pool.
In The Illusionist, directed by Neil Burger, Giamatti stars opposite Edward Norton in the
story of a magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna who falls in love with a woman who is
engaged to a prince. The magician uses his powers to win her over and undermine the
stability of the royal house of Vienna.
Giamatti starred in Alexander Payne's critically-lauded Sideways, alongside Thomas Haden
Church, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh. Giamatti has earned several accolades for his
performance including Best Actor from the Independent Spirit Awards, New York Film
Critics Circle and a Golden Globe nomination.
Giamatti also lent his voice talents to the animated features Robots and Ant Bully.
In 2004, Giamatti garnered outstanding reviews and commendations (Independent Spirit
Award nomination for Best Actor, National Board of Review Breakthrough performance of
the Year) for his portrayal of Harvey Pekar in Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini's
American Splendor.
Giamatti first captured the eyes of America in Betty Thomas' hit comedy Private Parts. His
extensive list of film credits also includes Milos Forman's Man on the Moon; Tim Robbins' The
Cradle Will Rock; F. Gary Gray's The Negotiator; Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan; Peter
Weir's The Truman Show; Mike Newell's Donnie Brasco; Todd Solondz' Storytelling; Tim Burton's
Planet of the Apes; Duets, opposite Gwyneth Paltrow and Big Momma's House, co-starring Martin
Lawrence. Giamatti also appeared in James Foley's Confidence; and John Woo's Paycheck.
As an accomplished stage actor, Giamatti received a Drama Desk nomination for Best
Supporting Actor as "Jimmy Tomorrow" in Kevin Spacey's Broadway revival of “The
Iceman Cometh.” His other Broadway credits include “The Three Sisters” directed by Scott
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Elliot; “Racing Demon” directed by Richard Eyre; and “Arcadia” directed by Trevor Nunn.
He was also seen Off-Broadway in the ensemble cast of “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui”
with Al Pacino.
For television, Giamatti appeared in “The Pentagon Papers” with James Spader, HBO's
“Winchell” opposite Stanley Tucci and Jane Anderson's “If These Walls Could Talk II.”
MICHELLE WILLIAMS (Betty)
In 2005, Michelle Williams was honored by the Motion Picture Club as "Female Star of
Tomorrow." She appeared in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain for which she has received The
Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for
Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alma, Heath Ledger's long-suffering wife. The film
received the Golden Lion Award for best film at the 2005 Venice Film Festival, and a
nomination for best film at the 2006 Academy Awards. Focus Features’ Brokeback Mountain
is currently in release on DVD.
In 2004, Williams shared a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination with her fellow actors
from Thomas McCarthy's The Station Agent for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a
Motion Picture. The film had previously earned the Audience Award at the 2003 Sundance
Film Festival, as well as a 2004 BAFTA award. She also starred in Wim Wenders' Land of
Plenty, which was in competition at the Venice Film festival winning the UNESCO prize.
Williams' other film credits include Dan Harris' Imaginary Heroes, Richard Ledes' A Hole in
One, Michael Showalter's The Baxter, Sandra Goldbacher's Me Without You, and Andrew
Fleming's Dick .
On stage, Williams received glowing reviews for her portrayal of Vanya in Chekhov's “The
Cherry Orchard” at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Prior to that, she also achieved
critical acclaim for her run in Mike Leigh's “Smelling a Rat” at the Samuel Beckett Theatre
and her off-Broadway debut in “Killer Joe.”
On television, she starred opposite Chloë Sevigny in the critically acclaimed HBO telefilm
“If These Walls Could Talk 2” directed by Martha Coolidge. She also had a six year run as
Jen Lindley on the WB hit television series “Dawson's Creek.” The series premiered in 1998
and remained one of the WB's top-rated shows throughout its run.
MICHAEL PITT (Fred)
In 2005, Michael Pitt starred in Gus Van Sant’s Last Days for HBO/Picturehouse. In 2004,
he starred in Academy Award-winning director Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers. The film
premiered at the 2003 Venice Film Festival and was released in the US in 2004 with the
controversial NC-17 rating. His upcoming films include Delirious with writer/director Tom
Dicillo and Silk with Keira Knightly and directed by Francois Gerard. Other film projects
include: The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things, The Village, Rhinoceros Eyes (2003 Discovery
Award/Toronto Film Festival) and Jailbait (Premiere: 2004 Tribeca Film Festival and Grand
Jury Prize winner 2004 Lake Placid Film Festival).
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In the Summer of 2000, Pitt was chosen as one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film”
in Filmmaker Magazine for his role of Tommy Gnosis in 2001 Sundance Film Festival award
winner Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He went on to work with director Larry Clark in the 2001
summer release of Bully and director Gus Van Sant in Finding Forrester. Pitt co-starred with
Sandra Bullock in Murder by Numbers directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Barbet
Schroeder for Castle Rock Entertainment which had its world premiere at the 2002 Cannes
Film Festival.
Pitt's roots lie in theatre and in the summer of 1999, he made his off-Broadway and stage
debut starring as Dalton in New York Theatre Workshop’s production of “The Trestle at
Pope Lick Creek” written by Naomi Wallace and directed by Lisa Peterson. Daily Variety
called his performance “arresting” and the New York Post wrote, “Pitt brings to Dalton all
the poetry, passion and openness that the text and the staging withhold.” Pitt again worked
with Ms. Wallace in the US Theatrical premiere of “Birdy” at Duke University in the spring
of 2000. Other theatre credits include the off-Broadway American premiere of “Monster,”
an adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein directed by Tony & Obie Award-winning
director Michael Grief.
Pitt has also worked with first time film director Faye Dunaway in the short The Yellow Bird.
Other film credits include Mambo Cafe and Hi-Life. Television credits include a guest starring
role on “Law & Order: SVU” and a recurring special guest-star on the “Dawson’s Creek”
1999/2000 Season.
Among his talents Pitt is also an artist, writer, musician and filmmaker and is recording and
performing with his band Pagoda. He also performs the cover song "Hey Joe" in The
Dreamers soundtrack. Pitt was born and raised in New Jersey.
ROBERT WISDOM (Billy Bob)
Robert Wisdom graces each of his diverse screen roles with a powerful, profound and cool
presence – from his commercial hits to his bold and provocative performances in a variety
of new features. Currently he is starring in HBO’s “The Wire,” which generated wide critical
praise. Robert also stars in the feature film Freedom Writers with Hilary Swank.
Wisdom has proven his versatility with performances in films such as Storytelling opposite
Selma Blair, Duplex opposite Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller, Barbershop 2: Back in Business
with Cedric the Entertainer, and The Forgotten starring Julianne Moore. In addition, Wisdom
appeared in the independent feature, Coastlines, directed by Victor Nunez. Wisdom spent
five months doing improvisation work to shape his character for director Michael Radford’s
Dancing at the Blue Iguana (an “improvised film”) co-starring Daryl Hannah and Jennifer Tilly.
Wisdom raised in Washington, D.C. graduated from Columbia University with a degree in
history and economics. In 1983, he launched a successful career as an artistic director for
cultural projects around the world. Wisdom, whose passion is world music, conceived and
developed New Music, an annual avant-garde intercultural music festival. He went on to
serve as Director of the National Alliances of Media Arts Centers; Associate Artistic
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Director of Music for the Los Angles Festival; and Music and Performance Curator at The
Kitchen, New York’s avant-garde performance space. Wisdom’s distinguished reputation
landed him the position of Director of Performing Arts at the Institute of Contemporary
Arts in London. During his time as director Wisdom was the creative force behind a 14-day
Gypsy music festival titled Lords and Ladies of Little Egypt. By raising money in London
Wisdom was able to bring in groups from many different countries including Romania,
Russia, India and Morocco.
In 1991, Wisdom decided to pursue acting ambitions full time and worked steadily in
London and in repertory around England. In 1993, he moved to Los Angeles to launch his
Hollywood career. Wisdom landed his first major studio film as John Travolta’s entrusted
FBI Partner in Face/Off. He followed this up with Mighty Joe Young, co-starring a young
Charlize Theron, and director Kurt Voss’ underground hit, The Heist.
Wisdom whose success also includes television starred in the critically acclaimed series
“Cracker,” opposite Robert Pastorelli. His other television credits include the telefilms “If
These Walls Could Talk” with Demi Moore and “Sahara.” His guest appearances include
“ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “Dharma and Greg,” “Judging Amy,” and “Boomtown.”
Wisdom recently finished his own documentary focusing on the Gnaoua music in Morroco.
“I track the world through music,” says Wisdom, who plays several percussion instruments,
including Cuban drums, and has traveled the world following his passion. “I truly appreciate
the road I’ve been on, and I hope to share the insights I’ve gained on the road in the stories
I’m able to tell as an actor.
ANN WEDGEWORTH (Ma Gattling)
From her early years, in Dallas, Ann Wedgeworth made a run for Hollywood stardom. She
starred in several TV films and guest starred in iconic TV shows such as “Three’s
Company,” “Roseanne,” “The Equalizer,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Trapper John, M.D,” &
“Evening Shade.” Currently, she guest stars in TNT breakout hit “The Closer.”
Wedgeworth won the respect of Broadway in 1978, earning a Tony Award as Best
Supporting Actress for her role in Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two.” She followed this up with
more roles in the following Broadway gems “The Last Analysis,” “Make a Million” and
“Thieves.”
On film, Wedgeworth has crafted a career that spans 3 decades, beginning with Andy in
1965, through Steel Magnolias, with Sally Field and Julia Roberts, Sweet Dreams, with Jessica
Lange, and The Whole Wide World with Renee Zellweger.
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THE HAWK IS DYING
About the Filmmakers
JULIAN GOLDBERGER (Director)
Julian Goldberger made his feature directorial debut with Trans, a drama about a 16 year-old
who escapes from juvenile detention in Fort Meyers, Florida that garnered the Readers' Jury
Prize for Best Film at the 1999 Berlin Film Festival. Trans also screened at the Sundance
and Toronto film festivals and in the New Directors/New Films series at New York's
Museum of Modern Art. In addition, Goldberger received a nomination for the
Independent Spirit "Someone to Watch" Award for Trans.
For In the Wake, his first feature length screenplay, Goldberger won first prize in the
Dramatic Screenplay Competition at the 1998 Breckenridge Festival of Film.
More recently, Goldberger secured a grant from the Chicago Underground Film Fund to
facilitate the completion of his multi-part ethnology film, The Eulipion Chronicles, which
premiered at the 2003 Chicago Underground Film Festival.
Little America, Goldberger's original screenplay set in the long haul trucking world, is now in
development at Antidote Films. Next year, he plans to begin production on Up from the Fire,
a feature length documentary capturing sacred music performances from around the world.
Goldberger studied acting and directing at Florida State University's School of Theatre and
at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. He also completed New York University's Intensive
Film Program and the American Film Institute's directing program. In 2000, Goldberger
served as Filmmaker-in-Residence at Singapore's Center for Film and Media Studies.
JEFF LEVY-HINTE (Producer)
Prior to producing The Hawk is Dying, Jeff Levy-Hinte produced Mysterious Skin adapted from
Scott Heim’s novel and directed by Greg Araki and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady
Corbet, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Elisabeth Shue. Mysterious Skin, which screened at the 2004
Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, and the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, was released in the
US in May 2005 to widespread critical acclaim. It has also been nominated for IFP Gotham
and Independent Spirit Awards.
Levy-Hinte’s other productions include Chain, a hybrid documentary-narrative feature which
premiered at the 2004 Berlin Film Festival and for which director Jem Cohen was awarded
the “Someone to Watch Award” at the 2005 Independent Spirit Awards; and Thirteen
directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood. The
film screened at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Dramatic Directing
Award. It went on to receive numerous award nominations including a Best Supporting
Actress Oscar nomination for Holly Hunter, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award
nominations for Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood. Best Screenplay, First Feature
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nominations, and the Best Debut Performance award were received at the Independent
Spirit Awards.
Levy-Hinte also produced Laurel Canyon directed by Lisa Cholodenko, Wendingo directed by
Larry Fessenden, American Saint directed by Joseph Castello, and Limon, a documentary
directed by Malachi Roth. Prior to 2000, Levy-Hinte produced Lisa Cholodenko’s film High
Art and edited the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings. In 2003
Levy-Hinte was selected as one of Variety’s “Producers to Watch.”
Levy-Hinte is currently in post-production on Larry Fessenden’s film The Last Winter and is
preparing for production on The Kids Are All Right, written and to be directed by Lisa
Cholodenko, and Macbeth, adapted from the Shakespeare play by Todd Louiso.
In addition to his film company ANTIDOTE FILMS, Levy-Hinte is the co-owner of Dig It
Audio, an audio post house that provides complete sound services for video and feature
film.
MARY JANE SKALSKI (Producer)
Mary Jane Skalski is a producer based in New York City.
Mary Jane is currently in post production on The Visitor. The film stars Richard Jenkins,
Hiam Abbass, Haaz Sleiman and Danai Gurira and was written and directed by Tom
McCarthy.
Previous films include The Hawk is Dying, directed by Julian Goldberger and starring Paul
Giamatti, Michelle Williams and Michael Pitt. The film premiered at the Sundance Film
Festival and screened in the Directors Fortnight at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. She also
co-produced Steven Shainberg’s FUR: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus starring Nicole
Kidman and Robert Downey Jr. The film opened the Rome Film Festival in 2006 and was
released by Picturehouse.
In 2004, Mary Jane produced Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin. The film was adapted from the
novel by Scott Heim and stars Joseph Gordon- Levitt, Brady Corbet, Michelle Trachtenberg
and Elisabeth Shue. It premiered at the 2004 Venice Film Festival and has also screened at
Toronto and Sundance. The film has been cited on over 70 Ten Best lists (including the
New York Times and the LA Times) and received nominations at the Gotham Awards (Joe
Gordon-Levitt for Breakout Performance) and the Spirit Awards (Gregg Araki for Best
Director).
Skalski produced The Station Agent, directed by Tom McCarthy. The film premiered in the
Dramatic Competition at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and received the Audience
Award, the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and a special acting award for Patricia Clarkson.
Its European premiere was at the San Sebastian Film Festival where it was awarded the
Special Jury Prize. The film was cited on numerous ‘Ten Best’ lists including the National
Board of Review. It received three Screen Actors Guild nominations, including a nomination
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for Best Ensemble. The film also received three Independent Spirit Awards and a BAFTA
for Best Screenplay.
Additional producing credits include Jem Cohen’s Chain, which premiered at the Berlin Film
Festival in 2004 in the Forum; Frank Whaley’s The Jimmy Show which screened at the
Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals; Paul Harrill’s Gina an Actress Age 29, which was
awarded the Grand Jury Prize in Short Film at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival; Dear
Doughboy, a television pilot for the WB created by Hopwood Depree; Noah Baumbach’s
series of shorts Conrad and Butler; Bart Freundlich’s The Myth of Fingerprints; John O’Hagan’s
Wonderland which received the Cable Ace Award for Best Documentary; Jim Fall’s Trick
(exec producer), David Schisgall’s The Lifestyle (executive producer); Kutlug Ataman’s Lola
and Bilidikid (assoc producer), Jill Godmilow’s Roy Cohn/Jack Smith (assoc producer) and
Edward Burns’ The Brothers McMullen (assoc producer).
Skalski is a consultant for Fortissimo Film Sales and is an assistant adjunct faculty member in
Columbia University’s Graduate Film Department. From 1993 to 1999 Skalski was part of
Good Machine where she acted in various capacities including the VP of Creative Affairs.
Upcoming projects include In a Country of Mothers with director Rose Troche, Against the
Current with writer/director Peter Callahan, and DARE with writer David Brind and
director Adam Salky.
In 2005, Skalski was the only producer included in PAPER Magazine’s Un-Hollywood
Dream Team. Previously, Skalski was selected by Variety as one of the ‘Producers to Watch’
and as one of the ‘Indie 50’. In 2004 Skalski received the Producer Award at the IFP Spirit
Awards.
TED HOPE (Executive Producer)
Ted Hope, with partner Anne Carey, is the co-founder of New York production company
This is that. This is that specializes in unique content and innovative storytelling. 2006 was
the company’s busiest year to date, having completed seven films. In it’s four years of
existence, This is that has produced fifteen films. This is that’s first release, 21 Grams,
received two Academy Award nominations and five BAFTA nominations. The company’s
next release, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, won an Oscar for best screenplay.
Ted recently wrapped production on Oscar-winner Alan Ball’s feature film directorial debut.
The untitled film stars Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, and Maria Bello. This film is Hope’s
18th production of a first time feature film director. In addition to Ball, Hope has produced
the first films of Ang Lee, Hal Hartley, Nicole Holofcener, Todd Field, Michel Gondry,
Moises Kaufman, and Bob Pulcini and Shari Berman among others.
Hope has two films soon to be released. The Savages stars Laura Linney and Philip Seymour
Hoffman and is directed by Tamara Jenkins. Fox Searchlight premiered the film during
Sundance 2007 to strong reviews, and will release it late summer 2007. The Savages was
Hope’s 22nd Sundance entry. Fast Track stars Zach Braff, Amanda Peet, Jason Bateman,
Charles Grodin and Mia Farrow and is directed by Jesse Peretz. The Weinstein Company
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will distribute the film in 2007.
Hope’s third collaboration with Nicole Holofcener, Friends with Money, was the opening night
selection at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Sony Picture Classics in
April 2006, receiving two Independent Spirit Award nominations. Friends with Money was
Sony Pictures Classics top grossing film of 2006. Prior collaborations with Holofcener
include Walking and Talking and Lovely & Amazing, which received six Spirit Award
nominations (2003).
Ted has three Sundance Grand Jury Prize winners to his credit; American Splendor (2003), The
Brothers McMullen (1995) and What Happened Was... (1994). American Splendor also won the
FIPRESCI Award at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival, the Critics prize at the 2003 Deauville
Film Festival and was nominated for five Spirit Awards and one Academy Award.
Hope executive produced In the Bedroom, which earned five Academy Award nominations for
Best Picture, Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress, and Adapted Screenplay. In addition, he
received five Emmy nominations for The Laramie Project and also produced the Cannes
Critics' Prize-winning Happiness, which Hope and his partners at Good Machine released
themselves when its distributor dropped the film.
Hope has produced, with James Schamus, Ang Lee's early films including Ride With The
Devil, The Ice Storm, Pushing Hands, the Academy Award nominated The Wedding Banquet and
Eat Drink Man Woman.
Hope got his start as a producer from his collaborations with Hal Hartley; together they have
made eight films, including Amateur, Simple Men and Trust. They collaborated recently on Fay
Grim, which premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, followed by
Sundance 2007 and Berlin 2007, to enthusiastic audience and critical response. Magnolia will
release Fay Grim in Spring 2007.
Ted previously founded and ran the production and sales company Good Machine, which
he and his partners sold to Universal in 2002.
The Hollywood Reporter recently cited Hope and his partners among the twenty-five most
powerful people in the Independent Film Business.
BOBBY BUKOWSKI (Director of Photography)
Born in New York City, Bobby attended SUNY at Stony Brook, securing a Master’s Degree
in Biochemistry. En route to medical school, he set his gaze upon more artistic endeavors.
He left the United States for extensive travel in Europe and Asia. This adventure led to job
as an assistant to a photographer in Paris. Soon after, he was enlisted to archive a Tibetan
Buddhist pilgrimage, led by the Dalai Lama, to all the sacred Buddhist sites along the Ganges
River. This marked the first time he had a moving camera in his hand.
Returning home to New York, he applied to the Graduate Film program at NYU’s Tisch
School of the arts, where he received his Master of Fine Arts. He financed his schooling by
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working as a bike messenger. Armed with a still camera, he honed his sense of composition
and lighting: “Everything I saw in the streets, became a potential study in cinematography:
the way the light bounced off the windows of a glass skyscraper, the cities ambient light
roiling under dense low fog, the diverse pageant of faces along the avenues… “
Bukowski continues to champion independent films and the endeavors of first-time
directors.” I find it stimulating to collaborate with minds that are innocent of habit. Their
approach is unencumbered by experience and as a result, they “discover” unique ways to
handle common situations. They hold their art in high regard and allow me to see my craft
with new eyes.”
His credits include the forthcoming Lying, The Dying Gaul, Saved!, Crime and Punishment in
Suburbia, Arlington Road, The Minus Man, Household Saints, Ethan Frome, Shakes the Clown,
Dogfight, Showtime’s “Weeds,” and “If These Walls Could Talk.”
JUDY BECKER (Production Designer)
Cited as one of “25 to Watch” in the summer 2002 issue of Filmmaker, Judy Becker came to
her career in production design from a background in fine arts, including several years as an
"underground" comics artist.
She is currently designing David O. Russell’s new untitled comedy, starring Vince Vaughn.
She most recently completed work on the production design for Ang Lee’s Brokeback
Mountain starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllanhal; and Douglas McGrath’s Infamous,
starring Tobey Jones as Truman Capote.
Becker has been the production designer of several notable independent films, among them
Mike Mills’ Thumbsucker, Zach Braff’s Garden State, Rebecca Miller’s Personal Velocity: Three
Portraits (Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance Film Festival), and Peter Sollett’s Raising
Victor Vargas.
APRIL NAPIER (Costume Designer)
April Napier came to costume design from a background in fine arts and has amassed an
impressive list of credits in feature films, commercials and music videos. Since her work on
The Hawk Is Dying, she has completed The Covenant, a Lakeshore/Screen Gems picture
directed by Renny Harlin, and Randy and the Mob, directed by Ray McKinnon and featuring
Walton Goggins, Ray McKinnon and Lisa Blount.
She designed Thumbsucker the feature debut film of Mike Mills, which premiered at the
Sundance Film Festival in January 2005. The film starred Tilda Swinton, Vincent
D’Onofrio, Keanu Reeves, Vince Vaughn and Lou Pucci. Additional films include The Cell,
directed by Tarsem and Neil LaBute’s Your Friends and Neighbors.
Napier’s commercial work includes spots for Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas,
Nokia and Revlon. In her commercial work she has designed for a host of visionaries which
include Robert Altman, Wong Kar Wai, Michael Mann, Jonathan Glazer, Francis Lawrence,
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Jake Scott, Bryan Singer, and Mike Mills. Her numerous music video credits include the
award winning Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer,” directed by Mark Romanek, as well as videos for
Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morrisette, The Wallflowers, David Bowie, Marilyn
Manson, Morrissey, Macy Gray, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Beth Orton, Live,
Soundgarden, Bush and The Killers. Napier’s work has also been featured in Rolling Stone,
Interview and Details magazines.
JONATHAN GOLDBERGER (Composer)
Jonathan Goldberger studied music and cultural anthropology at the University of Colorado
(1994 - 1999). He has worked extensively in both the film and music worlds. He produced
and composed music for several short films before overseeing both the location sound and
music for the award-winning feature film, Trans. His field recordings from Southeast Asia
were featured in The Eulipion Chronicles, which premiered at The 2003 Chicago Underground
Film Festival.
As a founding member of the acclaimed space/jazz band, Fat Mama, Goldberger showcased
his innovative guitar work and complex compositions in both a studio and live setting. His
work with Fat Mama has received much praise from The Village Voice, as well as other
music industry publications. Other notable performers that he has collaborated with include
James “Blood” Ulmer, Steven Bernstein’s Sex Mob, Ron Miles, Leni Stern, Art Lande, Erik
Friedlander, and DJ Logic.
Goldberger has recorded and engineered several albums from various music artists including
Fat Mama, the Mugs, Debug, and Project Grudge. In 2002 he contributed his engineering
skills to Leni Stern’s “Finally the Rain Has Come”, which featured Zakir Hussain, John
Mclaughlin, and Bill Frisell.
Goldberger also runs Down Home Audio Labs, a NYC based mobile recording studio that
specializes in Hi-fi portable location recording.
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Cast
George PAUL GIAMATTI
Betty MICHELLE WILLIAMS
Fred MICHAEL PITT
Precious RUSTY SCHWIMMER
Billy Bob ROBERT WISDOM
Ma Gattling ANN WEDGEWORTH
Football Player MARK CAMPBELL
Girlfriend AYANA RHODEN
Insolent Professor TAYLOR SIMPSON
Pony-Tailed Professor JOHN HOSTETTER
Marvin Hill STEVE DUMOUCHEL
Young Female Undergrad KATIE DIXON
Ambulance Driver VERYL JONES
Dr. Leep KARL ANTHONY
Alonzo MARC MACAULAY
Preacher Roe BOB LIPKA
Little Boy P.J. LALKA
Little Girl ERIKA MEDINA
Peter Sweet MATTHEW STANTON
Crew
Unit Production Manager JON BERGHOLZ
First Assistant Director URS HIRSCHBIEGEL
Second Assistant Director JASON GRAHAM
Associate Producer JAMES DEBBS
Production Supervisors LUCY COOPER
MITCH HARBESON
Post Production Supervisor BEAU J. GENOT
Script Supervisor MICHAEL TAYLOR
Location Casting MARK MULLEN C.S.A. AND
KIMBERLY MULLEN C.S.A.
First Assistant Camera ERIC CURTIS
Second Assistant Camera MICHAEL BURKE
Camera Loader FERNANDO GAYESKY
Aerial/Underwater Specialist JORDY KLEIN
Stills Photographer GENE PAGE
Gaffer DAVID HARGES
Best Boy Electric ERIC FELLAND
Electricians MIKE RISCO, STEVE IRVINE
Swing Electric SEAN FISHER
Key Grip RICHARD COTTRELL
Best Boy Grip TRAVIS BELL
Grip CHRIS GARAFALO
Sound Mixer SCOTT CLEMENTS
Boom Operator FRED KUPFER
Set Decorator VERA MILLS
Set Leadman TIMOTHY E. KELLY
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On Set Dresser JEFF ‘J-MAC’ McDONALD
Set Dresser REX CHRISTENSEN
Scenic Artist LAURA BALLINGER
Property Master RICHARD SWIM
Property Assistant MARTHA MAE TUCKER
Property Intern EMILY CUNNINGHAM
Costumer ALISON PARKER
Seamstress MICHELLE BENOIT
Costume Interns
VALERIE LOCKHART
CAROLYN CURY
DESSARAE BASSIL
Key Makeup LEE GRIMES
Key Hair JANE HASSINGER
2nd Assistant Director JUSTIN RITSON
1st Team Production Assistant ELIZABETH HENNING
Set Production Assistants
JAMES BERKERY
KASEY SIRIANNI
CORIN WARINNER
Set Interns
NICOLE ROSNER
JOSH PRICE
DANNY GHITIS
EDWIN RIVERA
CHRISTINA ARANGO
Location Manager MITCH HARBESON
Assistant Location Manager WYRE HERBERT MATTHEW PLATT
Location Production Assistants
DAN GLOECKNER
DARREN PRESTON LANE
Trained Birds Provided by BIRDS & ANIMALS UNLIMITED
Hawk Trainer TONY SUFFREDINI
Assistant Hawk Trainers
TRAVIS DEVITA
MARK VAUGHN
Hawks SAFARI, DRE, KERMIT
Stunt Coordinator STEVE RITZI
Production Coordinator KAREN BOSMA
Production Secretary JASON WORKING
Office Production Assistants
BYRON GOSS III
ASHTON MCCOMB
Production Interns
VANESSA LOPEZ HEIDI REED
STEVEN HOLLENKAMP EVAN KUBOTA
DIANA N. DONNELLY LORENA DAVIS
GRANT JOHNSON REBEKAH KAPLAN
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JORDAN M. NACHT JASON HEDGES
ASHLEY MARGO CHRIS SHERRILL
HOLLY HALL SHARMINI PITTER
ANDREW ‘AJ’ PROMEY WESLEY CAMPBELL
KATIE DIXON IAN PARKER
BRAD BURNSIDE
Production Accountant ALBERT KRAUSE
Production Accounting Assistant NATALIE REICO
Antidote Films Director of Operations TAKEO HORI
Assistant to Mr. Goldberger MIKE DE LA VINA
Assistant to Ms. Skalski PHIL MCCARTY
Assistant to Mr. Hope ERIC PAPA
Casting Intern DANIELLE OBERLENDER
Set Medic DAN HARTLEY
Water Safety STEVE JOHNSON
Mind-Body Therapist JUNNON SAWAMURA-NERIGOUX
Transportation Coordinator JOHN STEPHENS
Transportation Captains
KEVIN CRAIG
ROB JEPSON
Honeywagon Driver TIM STEPHENS
Pilot RICHARD JOHNSON
Catering BY VALENTINO’S
Craft Service CHRIS RANUNG
Assistant Editors
ALEX BLATT
KATY FISHER
PAUL FRANK
Post Production Assistant JOE FONTES
Assistants to Music Supervisor
ARAM GOLDBERG
MATT HAVRON
JON SOLOMON
Post Production Accounting Services JFA, INC.
JOHN FINN
PETER HUTCHINSON
Sound Editorial SOUND FOR FILM
Supervising Sound Editor & Designer FRANK GAETA
Sound Effects / Music Editor LUIS GALDAMES
Recording Mixer PATRICK GIRAUDI
Foley Artist CATHERINE HARPER
Score Produced and Mixed by
JONATHAN GOLDBERGER
Score Recorded by
MICAHEL SCIELZI
JONATHAN TOWNES
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Score Recorded at SOUNDTRACK, NEW YORK, NY
PETER KARL STUDIOS, BROOKLYN, NY
DOWN HOME AUDIO LAB, BROOKLYN, NY
Musicians
Violin JOYCE HAMMANN
Violin MARK FELDMAN
Viola KENJI BUNCH
Cello ERIK FRIEDLANDER
Percussion AARON SIEGEL
Bass Clarinet ANDREW D’ANGELO
Vibraphone KEVIN KENDRICK
Orchestra ANDREW M. KURTZ AND
THE GULF COAST SYMPHONY
OF FT. MYERS, FLORIDA
Opera Vocals MICHAEL MANIACI
Visual Effects Artist PETER AMANTE
TCHYA
Titles & Opticals by F-STOP, INC.
Dailies Laboratory CONTINENTAL FILM & VIDEO
CHRISTINE DENILLO
LIBBY MOYER
GLEN NEWLAND
Colorist SUZY RAYMOND
Negative Cutting VIV KIM NEGATIVE CUTTING
VIVIAN HENGSTELER
Post Production Laboratory FOTOKEM
Color Timer MATO
Dolby Sound Consultant TREVOR WARD
Production Counsel JONATHAN GRAY
SPINAK & GRAY
This is that Business Affairs Executive DIANA VICTOR
Payroll Services AXIUM/AVALON
Insurance D. R. REIFF & ASSOCIATES
ROSS MILLER
Camera Equipment CINE VIDEO TECH
Grip and Electric Equipment CINE VIDEO TECH
HOLLYWOOD RENTALS
ACME LIGHTING
Honeywagons RACO
Trucks LIGHTNIN’
“NUMBER ONE-DERFUL”
Written by Jai Josefs
Performed by Tim Buppert & The Nashville 6
Published by Revision West (BMI)
Courtesy of Marc Ferrari / MasterSource
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“ONE TOO MANY”
Written by John Yingst and Jan Peterson
Performed by Pam DeCosmo
Published by Red Engine Music (ASCAP)
Courtesy of Marc Ferrari / MasterSource
“THE FAT & THE LEAN”
Written and Performed by Luis Galdames and Scott Mclean
Published by Luis Galdames (BMI)
Courtesy of Sound For Film
“YOU'RE A HABIT HARD TO BREAK”
Written by Arrow Brown
Performed by Linda Balintine
Published by Fae-Ton Publishing Co. (BMI)
Courtesy of Numero Group
By arrangement with Bank Robber Music
“JINGLE BELLS”
Written by James S. Pierpont
Performed by Jim Nabors
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
“KIMIGAYO”
Written by Heimer Bjorgulffson, Helgi Thorsson and Sigtryggur Berg Sigmarsson
Performed by Hanayo (featuring Stilluppsteypa)
Published by Freibank Musikverlage (GEMA)
Courtesy of Geist Records
“SHAKE THAT ASS BITCH”
Written by Sean T. Chavis
Performed by Splack Pack
Published by Whooping Crane Music, Inc. (BMI)
Courtesy of Pandisc Music Corp.
“OH, GOOD GRIEF”
Written by Vince Guaraldi
Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Published by Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc. (BMI)
By arrangement with Hogan Media & Music, Inc.
Courtesy of Concord Music Group, Inc.
“THE TRIP”
Written by Kim Fowley, Paul Geddes and Dennis Hardesty
Performed by Kim Fowley
Published by Rare Magnetism Music (ASCAP) / Zulu Publishing (BMI)
Courtesy of Kim Fowley
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“PAUL’S PAL”
Written by Sonny Rollins
Performed by John Coltrane
Published by Prestige Music (BMI)
Courtesy of Concord Music Group, Inc.
“SHORTWING RADIO”
Written and Performed by Cariad Harmon and Jonathan Goldberger
Published by D H Labs Music (BMI)
Courtesy of Down Home Audio Lab
Wildlife Field Recordings courtesy of
The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Orinthology
Special thanks to:
HARRY CREWS LANKO GOLDBERGER
SUE BODINE DR. JACOB GOLDBERGER
RON BERNSTEIN JOEY FAGAN
JENNIFER RUFF PAT GOLDBERGER
JEFF OGDEN LISA DEAN RYAN
DENNIS GRISCO WILLIAM MAY, JR.
CHERYL MONTECLARO DAVID EDWARDS
CASSIE MCDANIEL THE MORGANROTH FAMILY
MARC MEISEL JENNIFER TOZZO
GARY GERO CYNTHIA DUPONT
SARAH SCATURRO ROD MILLION
DEREK VANBEEVER BILL HILL
LENI STERN ALEX DAVIDOWSKI
PAUL CAPUTO JON FINE
STEPHANIE JOHNSON DICKON HINCHLIFFE
LAURA GOLDBERG GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS
MARTIN GARNER MARCELO RADULOVICH
DOUG SADLER ANDY CATANZARITI
LIZ MANNE JASON MCCLAIN
STEPHEN JORDAN CARIAD HARMON
BONNIE BERNSTEIN RHONDA PRICE
CAROLYN ANTHONY
WALLY GRANT, L&S AUTO TRIM
IZZE BEVERAGE CO. BIRDS BY TONY GILYARD
NORTHWOODS FALCONRY SUPPLY BEN’S FLOWERS
KIEHLS BRINTON’S PAINT
GRABADOS STREET BUILT
PEARSE HAYES MPF3
ULTRA CAMERA MOUNTS KABLOOM FLOWER SHOP
MICHAEL BROWN, EASTMAN KODAK LEONARD’S FURNITURE
THE WINE AND CHEESE GALLERY MOCHANOW
A-BEST COIN LAUNDRY HG NURSERY
CELEBRITY CLEANERS WATSON REALTY
23
PIER ONE ON ATLANTIC LENSCRAFTERS OF GAINESVILLE
HOLLY PASZKO & JAMES LESCOTT,
THE PARAMOUNT PLAZA HOTEL & SUITES
ALACHUA COUNTY VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU
GAINESVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
ROLAND LOOG, ALACHUA COUNTY
GAINESVILLE FIRE & RESCUE
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE
RAINBOW SPRINGS & FLORIDA PARK SERVICE
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF FILM & ENTERTAINMENT, FLORIDA
ALACHUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSION
AMERICAN HUMANE SOCIETY
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD
FILMED ON LOCATION IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION MONITORED THE ANIMAL ACTION.
NO ANIMAL WAS HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS FILM. AHA 00830
MPAA Certificate #41959
Copyright © MMV County Line Films, LLC
The characters and incidents portrayed and the names herein are fictitious,
and any similarity to the name, character or history of any person is entirely
coincidental and unintentional. This motion picture photoplay is protected
pursuant to the provisions of the laws of the United States of America and
other countries. Any unauthorized duplication and/or distribution of this
photoplay may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
THE HAWK IS DYING
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