Watch Etienne!

Etienne! is a heartwarming and quirky indie film that tells the story of a French immigrant named Etienne who's trying to find his place in America. The cast is made up of an eclectic group of actors who breathe life into their quirky characters. At the center of the story is Etienne, played earnestly by Richard Vallejos. Etienne has just arrived in the United States and is eager to start a new life and pursue his dream of becoming a famous filmmaker. But like so many other aspiring artists, Etienne quickly discovers that making it in America is easier said than done.

He is taken in by his cousin, Anne, who's played by Megan Taylor Harvey. Anne is also an artist, but she hasn't quite figured out how to make a living from her craft. Despite their struggles, Etienne and Anne bond over their shared experiences and become close friends. Anne becomes Etienne's muse, and he spends hours filming her and the other artists in their circle.

The film takes place in the early 2000s, and there are several references to the political and social climate at the time. Etienne is initially hesitant to engage in political activism, but he eventually starts attending rallies and protests. These scenes provide a glimpse into the zeitgeist of the era and underscore the challenges faced by immigrants and other marginalized groups.

As Etienne navigates his new life in America, he experiences a series of setbacks and disappointments. He struggles to find work and secure funding for his film. His relationship with Anne also becomes strained when she begins dating another artist in their circle. Through it all, Etienne remains optimistic and persistent. He believes that if he just keeps working hard, he'll eventually achieve his dreams.

In addition to Vallejos and Harvey, the cast includes several other standout performers. Caveh Zahedi plays a grumpy filmmaker who becomes Etienne's mentor. Zahedi's character is a bit of a curmudgeon, but he provides some of the film's funniest moments. There's also a scene-stealing performance from veteran character actor Robert Lipton, who plays an eccentric artist with a penchant for walking around barefoot.

The film is directed by Jeff Mizushima, who also co-wrote the script with Vallejos. Mizushima brings a light touch to the material, allowing the film's offbeat humor and quirky characters to shine through. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with several memorable shots that capture the beauty and grittiness of Los Angeles.

One of the strengths of Etienne! is its portrayal of the immigrant experience. The film doesn't shy away from the challenges faced by newcomers to America, but it also celebrates the resilience and creativity of those who come here seeking a better life. Etienne's story is both universal and unique, and viewers are sure to find something to relate to in his journey.

Overall, Etienne! is a charming and poignant film that captures the spirit of indie cinema. It's a movie that celebrates the power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of offbeat comedies, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Etienne! is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.