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John Hawkes, Stan Herd, James McDaniel, Zach Grenier, Laura Kirk ... see more see more... , Chris Bachand , Sam Greenlee , Brendon Glad , Bruce MacVittie , Scott Allegrucci , Bob Augelli

EARTHWORK is the true story of real-life crop artist Stan Herd (played by Oscar nominee and Spirit Award Winner for "Winter's Bone" John Hawkes, in his first starring role), told through a single epis... read more read more...ode of his life. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City and risked everything to create a massive environmental artwork on land owned by Donald Trump. The multi-acre piece was made from soil, rock, plants and vegetation near an underground railway tunnel. Stan recruited a number of homeless individuals living in the tunnel as his crew. Over the months it took to complete the earthwork, Stan dealt with the difficulties of bringing his unique, rural art form to an urban canvas and the many costs exacted upon his life. In an effort to show his unique perspective to a larger audience, Stan unexpectedly encountered the true meaning of his art and it's ultimate, lasting rewards. Shot almost entirely in rural Kansas (with a one-day shoot in New York City) on a minimal budget, EARTHWORK is Chris Ordal's feature film debut. Ordal, a University of Kansas alum, was taken by Stan Herd's dedication to his temporary art and found it the perfect story to tell through film, a permanent art form. "It was important to me that my first feature capture a story that needed to be told via the cinema. Stan Herd's art is temporary, eventually returning to the earth after it has lived its life. EARTHWORK is an attempt to share the beauty and truth that Stan creates with an audience through a medium that can last forever. Stan has to get people into a helicopter or a tall building in order for them to see his work, so getting his art on the big screen finally allows audiences to experience his art and discover his incredible story." The filmmakers were very determined to exemplify the spirit of Stan Herd throughout production, and thanks to an amazing and supportive crew, EARTHWORK was a production as "green" as the story it told. -- (C) Official Site

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92% liked it

184 ratings

Critics

79% liked it

24 critics

PG, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Chris Ordal

Release Date: April 29, 2011

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Stats: 22 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (22)

  • mhoy1
    May 2, 2011
    mhoy1
    I loved this movie!! John Hawkes is great; the visuals are stirring; and the story is captivating. Artists of all stripes (and those who appreciate art!!) will truly connect with this film. Must see!!!!
  • bachandj
    May 1, 2011
    bachandj
    I saw the movie Friday evening and loved it. True stories are especially inspiring and this one made me want to let the world know of Stan Herd and his earthworks. All the actors were perfect for their roles.

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Critic Reviews

Colin Covert
June 23, 2011
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The story has dramatic reversals, humor, suspense and plenty of colorful, eccentric characters. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
May 19, 2011
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

"Earthwork" takes an unexpected swerve but one that adds layers of meaning and emotion to a film that is as beautiful and wrenching as it is unassuming. Full Review

Ronnie Scheib
April 29, 2011
Ronnie Scheib, Variety

Character actor John Hawkes, his rural demeanor tailor-made for hick pics, breaks through typecasting stereotypes in his nuanced portrayal of crop artist Stan Herd in Chris Ordal's ambitious Earthwork. Full Review

Sheri Linden
April 29, 2011
Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter

John Hawkes brings a laconic soulfulness to this ultra-low-key, only mildly involving tale of artistic pursuit. Full Review

V.A. Musetto
April 29, 2011
V.A. Musetto, New York Post

Directed, written and produced by Chris Ordal, "Earthwork" is best left to TV. Full Review

Ian Buckwalter
April 28, 2011
Ian Buckwalter, NPR

Earthwork's narrative follows too-familiar templates, and its characters lack the careful detail of Herd's own art. Full Review

Jeannette Catsoulis
April 28, 2011
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

Imagine spending an afternoon watching a bunch of vagrants putter around on an abandoned city lot, and you've pretty much nailed the viewing experience of "Earthwork," a painfully dull account of a ye... Full Review

Mark Holcomb
April 26, 2011
Mark Holcomb, Village Voice

Like Herd, the movie strives for a connection with land and labor typically missing from depictions of urban life, and provides a timely model for finding value in lean circumstances and humble company. Full Review

Alison Gang
July 1, 2011
Alison Gang, San Diego Union-Tribune

While we're grateful for Ordal's introduction to this atypical artist, the film's focus on the sentimental side of the story is at the expense of showing us enough of his terrestrial achievements. Full Review

Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
June 24, 2011
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press

Hawkes is finally getting the great roles he has long deserved. Full Review

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