When starting a career as a screenwriter there are two types of films you’re hoping to be inspired to come up with. One is the big high-concept idea, easy to use for getting an agent and hopefully starting a bidding war. (The 6th Sense, Look Who’s Talking) The other is the idea so simple you see the possibility of raising the limited funds needed to make the film yourself. In those cases, the script usually goes deep on a limited number of characters so you can attract a star to cut their salary and share your passion. Such is the case with Kelly Reichardt’s breakthrough 2nd film, Wendy and Lucy.
Wendy (Michelle Williams) is a homeless woman in the Pacific Northwest who is arrested while trying to shoplift food for her dog. The script details how that one act changes Wendy’s life. With a budget of $300,000 (mostly raised on Williams name and filmmaker Todd Haynes, who loved the script), and shot on 16mm film, Reichardt strips down cinematic technique. D.P. Sam Levy shoots mostly in natural light with static long takes, and most locations were used without official permits. Williams went without makeup or washing her hair for two weeks during filming. The resulting film was a critical hit that earned Williams several awards and made Reichardt a name to watch.
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