New Jerusalem

Emerging Visions
D: R. Alverson; with Colm O’Leary, Will Oldham

The distinction between well-intentioned religious conversion and predatory religiosity depends largely on perspective. Are souls being saved or are strong personalities feeding on the emotional weaknesses of others? The second film from the writing team of Alverson and O’Leary brings together a psychically ailing Afghanistan vet and straight-talking evangelist as colleagues at a tire repair shop. While on the job the two characters explore one another’s pasts and presents with jags of undercurrent-heavy dialogue and a creaky, cheerless atmosphere. Ike isn’t a slack-jawed Bible-thumper, but his kindness teeters between admirable and creepy, and Sean isn’t a lost lamb with post-traumatic stress looking for a shepherd, but he can take only so much loneliness. The tension of that dynamic � with the assistance of slow pacing and camera work like an unblinking eye � can be seen in Oldham’s emoting eyes and O’Leary’s brooding, creased face.

This article appears in March 18 • 2011.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.