User reviews

Sam (Billy Crudup) is a fast-talking, fast-living advertising exec, whose busy schedule and constant wheeling-and-dealing resulted in the dissolution of his marriage. He still has a good relationship with his college-age son, Josh, but when a campus shooting incident claims the boy's life, Sam copes with the tragedy by drinking away his job, his car, and his condo.

Fast forward a couple of years, and Sam is living on a houseboat docked a few hours away from his hometown, painting houses and drinking away his days on a seemingly infinite bender. The cycle is interrupted by the sudden appearance of his ex-wife (Felicity Huffman), who unloads Josh's old guitar and a box of demo recordings - music was always "Josh and Sam's thing," and she needs the reminders out of the house before she's able to move on.

Listening to Josh's songs and thumbing through journals full of lyrics, Sam finds himself with an understanding of his late son that he never had when the boy was alive. He begins learning to play each of the tunes, and feels compelled to pop in for an open mic night at the local watering hole and try one of Josh's songs in front of an audience. This catches the attention of Quentin (Anton Yelchin), a fidgety, socially awkward musician who connects with the haunted quality of the songwriting and convinces Sam to form a band.

Sam reluctantly agrees, never admitting that he didn't actually write any of the material, and what begins as a duo quickly transforms into a four-piece that includes a pair of Yelchin's fellow collaborators (played by real-life indie musicians Ben Kweller and Ryan Dean). Christened "Rudderless," the band begins to garner a strong local following he finds himself swept up in the joy of playing music, with no regard for the consequences that may come when his secret is inevitably found out.

Crudup gives his best performance since Almost Famous, even channeling Russell Hammond in a few of the music sequences, but it's his chemistry with Yelchin that drives the film. The growing bond between Sam and Quentin is a thinly-disguised parallel for Sam's lost relationship with Josh, but truth be told, Quentin needs Sam's guidance and friendship even more than Sam needs him. As Laurence Fishburne's ultra-hip music store owner says at one point, "It's great, what you're doing for that boy."

Marking the directorial debut of William H. Macy, who also appears in a minor role as a bar owner, Rudderless spends its first two acts as a rousing, feel-good affair about discovering (or in Sam's case, rediscovering) passion and purpose. The original songs from Simon Steadman, Charlton Pettus, and Ben Limpic are incredibly catchy, and Macy does a superb job of filming the live performances, imparting several clever techniques that showcase the band's increasing popularity.

But he also handles the weightier, more emotional moments just as deftly, including a startling revelation at the beginning of the third act that forces the audience to completely re-evaluate their feelings about Sam's decisions. The jarring shift in tone may lose some audience members who feel that Macy is stretching the script's credibility, but most will likely understand the intent behind such a choice. But even with the abrupt left turn, Rudderless remains an uplifting and emotional first outing from Macy, and one of my favorite films of the year.

I do love movies about music, even if I'm not a huge fan of the music, but the band Rudderless got an interesting start.

Sam Manning is a father who lost his son in a tragic campus shooting. As his life unravels, he discovers his late son's talent for song writing. As a way to connect with his son, Sam begins performing his songs. This is were he meets Quentin, a kid the same age as his boy who falls passionately in love with the songs he hears Sam plays, and convinces Sam that he can add something to the music. Thus the band Rudderless was formed.

This is the reason why I wanted to see the movie, but what's great about the film is that the story is deeper than that, especially when we start to learn ore about Sam's son Josh.

Billy Crudup as Sam was great. It was emotional watching him deal with something that he could not deal with. The scenes where he hit the bottle and then go into self destruction mode were just too real. Anton Yelchin as Quentin was terrific. The movie is split in-between Drama and music and while Crudup brought the Drama, it was Yelchin who brought most of the music.

The great Laurence Fishburne was also part of the cast, as well as Selena Gomez who did great in her small but meaningful part in the film.

Plus the Director himself William H. Macy has a small role in his directorial debut.

A passionate musical drama for the music lover in all of us.

Saw Rudderless at a private screening in Chicago hosted by William H. Macy. What a powerful, moving and truly entertaining indie film! The performances by Billy Crudup and Felicity Huffman are fantastic. Billy Crudup is award-winning as a broken father who has lost his son tragically and then tries to relate to his son, to pick up the pieces... through music.

Selena Gomez, while only in a handful of scenes, displays a dark, intense maturity that we haven't seen from her performances to-date.

But the real star of this film is the original music. Fantastic pop rock, catchy tunes with telling lyrics that really make this movie special. The soundtrack is going to be as popular as the movie.

Coming to theaters in the U.S. on Oct 17, 2014! Go see it.

Was fortunate to see this at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The story line was very original and fresh. Emotional as hell! Really shows a story from a different perspective with a bit of a twist. NO SPOILER I PROMISE! Anton Yelchin was amazing. HE SANG!I was not familiar with him (I know, I know)and I thought he must be a professional singer who was acting. Billy Crudup was also a huge talent that I was also unfamiliar with. His voice was amazing but his acting was off the charts. You could really feel his emotion and understand his thoughts. The rest of the cast was also stellar. I am chomping at the bit for the soundtrack to come out. I will be the first in line. Thank you William H. Macy for an amazing piece of work!

Music was great and a terrific performances. I did not see the twists that this movie offers coming which is very refreshing.

Watching it a second time reveals more aspects of the performances that at first pass you may miss.

They do a great job on a very tough subject which I as a parent hope never to experience.

Watch this film and you will be moved. Great job on the trailer as well - not to give it away.

Nicely done.

Jared

The music is the masterpiece of this film, set against a deep storyline & with some great performances, it is a very good watch indeed. It's not often a film can leave you confused, on how you should be feeling and reacting to what you are watching, but Rudderless does just that without really trying. You will smile, you will tap your feet, you will probably scratch your head, & you will definitely spend time reflecting on what you have watched, when the credits roll !!

A very good effort.

7/10

Sausage.

... and breathtaking. I had a pleasure of watching this movie tonight, including a director, William H. Macy's Q and A.

Writers and director did some great choices. Casting was perfect. Billy Crudup's performance is simply fantastic. Excellent music and lyrics. By far, the most emotional and moving film I saw this year.

Daring and dangerous, casualties all across the board and so well done in all aspects. Yet another proof that independent movies like this one bring out more feelings and passion than any blockbuster.

Everyone should see it!

Thought-provoking gem!

Rudderless is one of those kind of movies which keep you seeing till the last second and don't want to end.

The movie has really good songs and a heartbreaking story. It one of those movies which make you think about the things that happen in your life in one way or the other and you don't want to look at them .But deep in your heart you always feels the guilt and struggle to change.

Billy Crudup gives one of his best performances as an actor and a singer. Anton Yelchin is a hidden singer. I thought there was a playback singer but all the songs were original and fresh and sung by the actors.

A must watch for all the movie lovers :)

I have mixed feelings about this movie. On one hand I feel for those parents who lost their child to a college shooting, on the other hand, the emotions they deliver on the screen seem childish and egoistic. Then, after The Reveal, the whole plot dissolves into nothingness. The acting is good, but I'm not sure Crudup, whom I respect immensely, is really fit for the part. We don't get enough of Felicity Huffman. Anton Yelchin is perfect. Selena Gomez? Meh... All in all, in mho, a fairly good start for neo-director William H. Macy, who is yet to deliver his best work.

Okay, so I rented this movie Friday night. The longer I watched it the more mad I was at myself for not buying it (which I did the next day). The movie,the acting,the music were wonderful. I am a big Billy Cruddup fan and his acting was a joy to watch. Lawrence Fishburn played the perfect role as well. Anton Yelchin did a great job with his character. I could go on about the whole cast. Bonus for getting to see and hear Ben Kweller. I immediately bought the soundtrack and played it two times through that night. This is my kind of movie. I've never seen a story told like this. William H. Macy should be proud of this film. I want to watch it again right now.

We saw this film today at our movie preview club. Wow! Best film I've seen so far this year (although the big guns have yet to come out). The only problem with it is I can't for the life of me remember the film's name in order to tell my friends to go see it.

It's not easy writing and directing an original movie that has a new slant on a familiar topic - a tragic mass murder at a school in which the main character's son dies. To do it poignantly and lovingly, and add in some really terrific music, is to accomplish a great deal indeed.

There's a lot to like here. Billy Crudup, in virtually every scene, shows his depth as an actor as he tries to come to terms with his cataclysmic loss. The music that Crudup's character discovers is well beyond good, and it's used effectively to move the story along and just plain listen to. The band members who help play the music add exuberance, the anxiety of youth, and humor. One great moment: When the band plays the children's song "The Wheels on the Bus."

Macy proves to be an excellent story-teller. Not much back story about any character, but none is needed, because this film takes place in an ever-evolving present. And - without saying a word about what it is - Macy does the most difficult thing to do in a film: he nails the ending. I'm ready to go see it again.

I'm glad I wasn't spoiled on the twist. This movie stayed with me... actually I watched it quite a few years ago and it's still with me! It's fantastic!

While at times it threatens to become a little too lathered in cheese and schmaltz, William H. Macy's debut directional effort Rudderless gets by on a fairly unique idea and enough heart and humour to carry this tale of loss, grief, redemption and music through to a satisfactory and untraditional conclusion.

Imbuing his film with the persona and comedic timing that has made him one of the industry's most well respected and most recognisable character actors, Macy shows himself to be quite the story telling craftsman here especially concerning Rudderless's narrative arc that at a mid-way point takes an unexpected and loaded turn that makes a somewhat fuzzy first half become a lot more tolerable in hindsight.

Front and centre in this study of a man grieving the loss of his son in a college shooting is Billy Crudup and actor well known for sadly never reaching the potential he so clearly has within and it's safe to his turn as one time high roller now painter for hire Sam is one of his best, not only of recent times but in his career. Alongside both Watchmen and Big Fish, Rudderless will be an extra enjoyable experience for Crudup fans and he both convinces in his musical moments, his emotionally loaded moments and his comedic timing and it's great to see the actor take a role on and nail it.

It's arguable the Crudup is the main reason to sink your teeth into Rudderless and it's a wise move that Macy chose to plant him in almost all of the films scenes as when he takes a back seat Rudderless's flaws are more glaring right down from some questionable leaps of story progressions through to unbelievable side players like Laurence Fishburne's kindly music story owner Del.

Rudderless will be enjoyed more with the least amount of pre-knowledge possible and while it never hits a perfect note between drama and comedy, this is a Hallmark like movie that transcends its weaknesses and becomes a likable if forgettable music filled drama.

3 ruined regatta's out of 5

This movie blew my mind!! Excellent cast and extraordinary soundtrack!! Anton Yelchin is one of my favorite actors and Billy Crudup gives an amazingly powerful performance!! I wasn't too sure what I was getting myself into when I chose to watch this movie. I picked it because I have loved every movie I have seen that had Anton Yelchin in it and I remembered Billy Crudup from his roles in a few movies I had seen. I am a seriously hardcore music lover and a huge supporter of independent filmmakers. I like movies that don't try to be preachy or sophisticated but still present a solid and entertaining story that fires the mental neurons and causes you to consider alternatives and the truths of the human condition. If this movie doesn't make you think, "then you're not doing it right".

William Macy is an actor who's been in a ton of TV shows, movies and Broadway and if you don't recognize the name, I can pretty much guarantee you'll recognize his face. He's also a very well respected actor--the sort of guy who plays great supporting characters or the occasional leading man. However, I did not know that he could not only act but direct films as well as co-write them. This is exactly the case with "Rudderless"--an excellent new film that has just debuted on DVD.

When this film begins, a young college student dies. A couple years pass and the dead guy's family has fallen apart. The parents divorced, the father is now an alcoholic who lost his high-paying job and now is a house painter. It's obvious that the family was destroyed by the death. However, when the dad, Sam (Billy Crudup) happens to find some music his dead son wrote, he decides to carry on his son's memory by performing these songs himself. Soon, he finds himself with some new friends...and a band with guys half his age and with a cult following! But he's still a drunk and a screw- up...and there is still something else about his son you'll have to learn that makes the whole story a lot more confusing.

The best thing about this movie is that it's unusual and I can't say I've seen anything like it. I love seeing a film that doesn't remind me of other movies--and this originality is a huge plus. The acting also is quite good. Crudup is quite nice in the lead and it's a treat hearing him sing. But it's also nice to see him with a lot of excellent supporting actors as well. Aside from some very talented newcomers, you'll also see Macy himself, his wife (Felicity Huffman) , Laurence Fishburn as well as Selena Gomez. I know this is a strange combination of actors, but they are all quite good. Add to this some very nice music and you have the recipe for a film that's worth your while if you are the sort of person that appreciates independent films .

By the way, the film is rated R but to me this seems misleading. While there is some cursing, the film seemed no worse than most PG- 13 films and is appropriate for teens.

Sam (Billy Crudup) is a divorced father. His son Josh is killed in a college shooting and he falls into a downward spiral. Two years later, he's a drunk and no longer a successful businessman. His ex-wife Emily (Felicity Huffman) is selling the house and moving on with her new life. She leaves him Josh's stuff which includes tapes of his music. He plays Josh's song which attracts Quentin (Anton Yelchin) who pushes him to start a band.

Something about Josh's death seems really off for the first hour of the movie. It holds the movie back a little until the turn. That's part of the reason why the comedy doesn't really work. The other reason is that low energy Billy Crudup isn't that kind of an actor. The dark subject matter does clash with the lightish tones. However, I do like the unconventional story and its off-center aspects. This is not a feel-good musical.

What a diamond in the rough. Kudos to Willaim H. Macy and company for presenting this perspective so splendidly.

Billy Krudup kept me hanging on to what he might do next. Wish there had been an opportunity to develop Selena's character. What there was of Selena was raw and real. I was hoping there would have been a relationship with Sam and Kate(Anne) so she could have had some healing. But I get it, father's and sons...

I'll watch Felicity Huffman read the phone book. She's so damn good.

"Q" kept the energy going. Effortless quick wit, charming and so very talented.

This movie should have gotten so much more attention. It challenges you to think of what you might do/think. A definite must see!

Actor William H. Macy (Boogie Nights) makes his directorial debut with the low-key drama, Rudderless. Billy Crudup (Watchmen) plays Sam; a successful ad executive who's life seems to be right on track, he has a loving wife and a song writing son in college. After closing a business deal, Sam invites his son out for drinks, only to find out that a shooting has taken place at the school he goes to and that he's one of the many people killed. Sam's life goes downhill, turning to the bottle and in the process losing his job and wife. Two years later, he's living on a boat and loathing in misery. Going through his son's things he finds old demo tapes of songs he recorded. Wanting to honor his memory, Sam goes to a local club and sings his songs on an open mic catching the ear of Quentin (Anton Yelchin) a young man roughly his son's age. Following him home, Quentin begs Sam to start a band with Sam as the writer. Lawrence Fishburn, Selena Gomez and Felicity Huffman fill out the supporting cast. The DVD is rather bare bones with deleted scenes and a music video. Rudderless may be a movie that will be forgotten as time goes, but those who catch it will find a nice, little indie film with a lot of heart and good music.

... and then gently wiped away my tears. A brilliant film not to be missed.