Towelhead

Year: 2007
Genre: Social Drama
Director: Alan Ball (American Beauty)
Screenwriter: Alan Ball
Starring: Summer Bishil & Aaron Eckhart

One Reason Why You Should See This Movie: Small-time actor Peter Macdissi, who has only worked as the token henchman here and there, is absolutely amazing as the strict Middle Eastern father of a young woman coming into adulthood in suburban Texas during the Gulf War. His performance alone is reason enough to rent this movie.

One Reason Why You Shouldn't See This Movie: Apart from Macdissi, there's little to no joy in watching this film. It's important and fascinating, yes, with its exploration of racism, politics, sexuality, and parenting (or lack thereof), but much of the film's events are extremely uncomfortable to watch. So much so that it often veers from affecting to just sensationalizing.

Two Questions: 1) What other movies address the issue of Middle Easterners living in America and do they do a good job at giving you a perspective on their situation? 2) What connections can you think of between the themes of this movie and that of American Beauty? Have you not seen American Beauty? It's not the greatest movie, but you should see it!