For director Anne Renton, this was 'The Perfect Family'

May 2012 By G. Michael Dobbs news@thereminder.com When director Anne Renton read the script of her new film "The Perfect Family," she told PRIME that it made her laugh and cry. She said she was reading the script on a plane and for it to make her react in such a way in a public place meant the story "had some oomph to it." "The Perfect Family" stars Kathleen Turner, Richard Chamberlain, Emily Deschanel and Jason Ritter. Turner stars as Eileen, a devote Catholic, who is overjoyed with her nomination as "Catholic Woman of the Year," but concerned about how her family will hold up under scrutiny. Her daughter is a lesbian who is pregnant and wants to marry her partner. Her husband is a recovering alcoholic and her son is cheating on his wife and wants a divorce. The film will be shown at the Out! For Reel Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Film Series in Northampton at 7 p.m. on May 5 at Northampton High School, 380 Elm St. In its review of the film, The Hollywood Reporter said, "Kathleen Turner has one of her best screen roles in years." In many ways, it was Turner's interest in the film that made it possible. Renton was looking for a story for her next project and found this film's script on a website that acts as an introduction between writers, and directors and producers. She read a synopsis and then was able to see the entire script. "I was very lucky," she said. "A lot of people could relate to it." Her next step was to find producers who were willing to work with her. Then she needed her star. A casting director was able to contact Turner, who said she was willing to speak about the film on the phone with Renton. "Things weren't quite on the page," Renton explained. "The character [of Eileen] was not developed enough for her to say 'yes.'" Renton embarked on a rewriting process that took three months. Turner contributed ideas and Renton called them "great notes." "It forced us to develop the character around her," she added. Once the final script was developed, Turner agreed to be in the film. "Getting her on board was huge," Renton said. The rest of the cast came about more quickly, attracted in part by the opportunity of working with Turner, Renton said. "It all fell into place," she added. Adding Chamberlain to the cast was an unexpected bonus. The veteran actor shot to fame in the 1960s as the star of "Dr. Kildare," and has appeared in such landmark mini-series as "Shogun" and "The Thornbirds." Renton said that he was living in Hawaii and hadn't been too active and "wanted to get back working again." When his agent submitted his name, Renton recalled her reaction was "What? We'll meet with him!" "He was just wonderful with so much energy," Renton said. "Such a lovely man." She said that despite his long-time experience, Chamberlain was "humble and created an open space [as an actor] to work with." The film made its premiere at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and Renton was heartened by the response. The film sold out all five of its scheduled screenings and the festival organizers had to add another. In an era of 3-D blockbusters, Renton called "The Perfect Family" "a smaller film." Regardless, she said, "Audiences seemed to really enjoy it." The goal now is to get the film to audiences and Renton explained it would have theatrical screenings in New York City and Los Angeles, followed by engagements in other cities. Then the film will be available through movies on demand through cable system followed by a DVD release on June 26. Renton will be accompanying the film to Korea where it will be shown in the Korean International Women's Film Festival. She said she is looking forward to seeing how the movie plays to a foreign audience. Although she is busy with the distribution and publicity for the film, Renton has her eyes on her next project. She said she is trying to buy an option on a book and has teamed up with a pair of writers for several other potential projects. For ticket information about the screening in Northampton for "The Perfect Family," log onto www.outforreel.org.