Critic David Thomson once said that Henry Jaglom had invented a new kind of movie, where people more or less play themselves, and the plot is life itself rather than a developing theme. Dialogue is mainly improvised. Any complications arise because the people insist on playing themselves. At the same time, he adds, the action is as shapely as a short story.
Juggling love story, jewel heist, suicide and a hilarious 12-step meeting, Mr. Jaglom displays his usual loosey-goosey style and insider wit. He’s not too fussy about where he puts his camera, but who else can persuade Peter Bogdanovich to play a whiny, unemployed director, or require his heroine to flirt while spitting mouthfuls of ice cream? That’s one skill even Ms. (Angelina) Jolie might hesitate to acquire.
Tanna Frederick first came on to the scene in the 2003 independent film “Inescapable” and is one of the stars in the upcoming theatrical release of “Queen of the Lot”. MovieMovies’ recently got the chance to speak with Tanna about her upcoming release.
The demands of the Hollywood lifestyle can take a heavy toll on a small-town girl, a well-explored theme that director Henry Jaglom takes on in “Queen of the Lot.”
In it, an up-and-coming actress named Maggie Chase (Tanna Frederick) is sporting a special anklet — the electronic variety — after getting popped for two DUIs. Under house arrest, she forges on in pursuit of her dream: to act her way off the B-list and into a rarefied status where her “Google points” are unmatched by the likes of Angelina Jolie. But as a team of image-makers begin spinning her drunk driving arrests into tabloid exposure heaven, she finds unexpected — and forbidden — romance on a trip to her boyfriend’s childhood home.