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The Big Ask (film)

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The Big Ask
Theatrical release poster
Directed byThomas Beatty
Rebecca Fishman
Written byThomas Beatty
Produced byThomas Beatty
Jennifer Westin
StarringGillian Jacobs
Zachary Knighton
David Krumholtz
Melanie Lynskey
Ahna O'Reilly
Jason Ritter
Dale Dickey
French Stewart
Ned Beatty
CinematographyAaron Kovalchik
Edited byEric Potter
Music byJulian Wass
Production
companies
Covert Productions
Sparkhouse Media
Distributed byTribeca Film
Release dates
  • June 1, 2013 (2013-06-01) (SIFF)
  • May 20, 2014 (2014-05-20) (limited)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Gillian Jacobs and Melanie Lynskey discussing The Big Ask (at the time called Teddy Bears) in 2013

The Big Ask (originally titled Teddy Bears) is a 2013 American independent black comedy-drama film. Directed by Thomas Beatty and Rebecca Fishman (from a script by Beatty), it stars Gillian Jacobs, Zachary Knighton, David Krumholtz, Melanie Lynskey, Ahna O'Reilly, and Jason Ritter. The film was released theatrically in the United States on May 20, 2014.

Synopsis

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Three couples head to the desert to support their friend, Andrew (Krumholtz), after the death of his mother. But there's fallout amidst the group when his intentions become clear: he wants to sleep with each of his best friends' girlfriends—at the same time.

Cast

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Production

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Writing

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The film's concept arose from a "rocky" period in the relationship of writer/director Beatty and his wife, co-director Fishman.[1]

Filming

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Principal photography took place in and around Twentynine Palms, California—including Joshua Tree National Park—and lasted 17 days.[2][1]

Editing

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The first cut of the film was over three hours in length. "It was a long process", according to Beatty. "We had two movies [and] we cut a whole movie out".[1]

Release and reception

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The Big Ask premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 1, 2013 under its original title, Teddy Bears,[3] which derived from a nickname given by one of the film's characters to the unusual-looking cacti growing at Joshua Tree.[4] Regarding the title change—a decision imposed by distributor Tribeca Films—star David Krumholtz said, "I think [they] felt the [original] title [didn't] really tell you what the film was ... but the problem is [that people keep asking me] what I have coming out and I say "The Big Ask", and they think I'm saying "The Big Ass". So I keep getting, "You're in a movie called 'The Big Ass?'"[4]

Ask began a limited theatrical release on May 20, 2014. It received a mixed reception from critics, with some feeling it wasted the potential of its unique premise;[5] while others praised the film's writing[3][6] and performances, especially Lynskey's.[7][8] It holds a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 reviews.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "SIFF Interview: Teddy Bears (part 1) – Directors Thomas Beatty and Rebecca Fishman". Three Imaginary Girls. June 5, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  2. ^ M. Smith, Nigel (April 13, 2012). "Will You See This Movie? Real-Life Couple Relives Their Most Difficult Period in 'Teddy Bears'". IndieWire. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Two Refreshing Twists on Familiar Territory from the Seattle International Film Festival". IndieWire. 2013-07-11. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  4. ^ a b "Exclusive Interview with David Krumholtz about 'The Big Ask'". The Ultimate Rabbit. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  5. ^ "Review: 'The Big Ask' fails to expand on questionable premise". Los Angeles Times. 2014-05-29. Retrieved 2016-09-07.
  6. ^ "Teddy Bears: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2016-09-07.
  7. ^ Tallerico, Brian (May 30, 2014). "The Big Ask". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Hunter, Rob (May 28, 2014). "'The Big Ask' Review: How Far (In) Would You Let a Friend In Need Go?". Film School Rejects. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "The Big Ask (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
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