CASTING BREAKDOWN

"MY LOOSE THREAD"

Based on the controversial novel by acclaimed author Dennis Cooper, MY LOOSE THREAD concerns Larry, an emotionally troubled teen who's hired to kill a fellow student for the contents of his notebook. Instead of destroying it though, Larry keeps it and discovers details of the illicit relationship between him and his adolescent brother.

MY LOOSE THREAD is daring, thought provoking literature -- soon to be a one-of-a-kind motion-picture -- that disturbs, haunts, and provokes laughter and shocks. It occupies a world where love destroys, friends betray trust, fantasy overwhelms reality and the inability to communicate sparks cataclysmic violence.

ROLES:

LARRY (Lead)

This is an EXPLOSIVE, BREAKTHROUGH role and a great opportunity for an INTELLIGENT, CREATIVE, EMOTIONALLY MATURE young actor.

Larry's 16. Caucasian. He has an innocent/boyish look -- but something deeper is happening behind his eyes. Larry's mostly internal, but unexpectedly erupts with frightening violence and rage. Despite the terrible things he does we must like and feel sympathy for him.

Larry accidentally killed his best friend, Rand, who was addicted to drugs. Later, Larry discovers Rand was taking illicit pictures of Larry's 13-year-old brother, Jim. Everyone says Larry's not to blame for Rand's death, but Larry's not so sure... Larry and Jim were involved in a physical relationship.

Larry struggles with his sexuality though he thinks he's "straight." He's a poor communicator and can only express himself through violence. Above all, he wants to feel loved, important, and be noticed... though he's neglected by those who should care most.

Larry's main redeeming factor is that he searches for a "right way"... but the situation is too strong, or he is too weak.

We're looking for an actor who can fully dig their teeth and nails into this role. Someone not satisfied with "good enough" or playing a scene the way we've seen it done a million times. We want a thinking person who's willing to do their homework and exploit the full potential of the character. Someone passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated, and as serious about taking their craft to the next level as we are about taking filmmaking to the next level.

JIM (Lead)

Jim's 13. A cute, blond, precocious kid. He's probably gay and has provoked a physical relationship with Larry. Jim has had to take care of himself because his home life is unstable (his mom drinks and his dad is dying of cancer). While mature enough

to understand the function of sex, he's not "adult" enough to grasp the consequences of it. He's a sweet, sad kid who ultimately just wants love and acceptance, but has chosen destructive paths to obtain it.

This is a complex role requiring an actor with intelligence and maturity beyond his years. Like the others, we will expect him to be serious and committed to the part and deliver a performance above and beyond what he thinks he's capable of.

PETE (Supporting)

Pete's 16/17. Caucasian. A jock. Attractive. Has a drinking problem. Cruel, violent and without a conscience. Pete accepts $500 to kill a fellow student. He's also getting physical with Larry's girlfriend. Pete's probably the character most likely to provoke a reaction from the audience. We need an actor who can have fun with the part, give it depth, and exploit the humor in the role. Someone who's fearless and not afraid to take risks.

JUDE (Supporting)

Jude's Larry's girlfriend. Caucasian. About 18. She's hot, but tactless -- even cutting. She cheats with Pete in front of Larry. She's callous and often downright cruel. She can watch someone take a vicious beating and not blink... though oddly, there are moments when she appears to feel empathy for others and can assume almost a sisterly role.

The actress playing Jude needs to be just as intense a performer as Larry as she's the counterpoint to his sensitivity and introspectiveness. We need a smart performer who will find Jude's vulnerabilities and bring them to the surface.

BILL (Supporting)

Bill's about 14. Caucasian. The book describes him as Norwegian looking, so he's probably blonde and fair skinned. Slight frame.

This character is mysterious, timid, trusting, sensitive. A romantic in the classical sense of the word. A poet... at least in Larry's eyes. He's someone who needs a protector. We only know him from what he writes in his notebook: that his mom was a prostitute whose tricks took more of a liking to him than her. Bill was abused by the men, his mom, and eventually himself. When his mom was murdered he was sent to live with his Grandmother -- when he met Jim and Larry.

Bill has been targeted for murder because of what he knows about a fellow student and documents in his notebook. What's not known is how reliable Bill is, as we're told he has mental problems.

The actor portraying Bill needs to appear as an old soul in a young body. Soft, but well-spoken. There is something awkward and strange about Bill, but also beautiful and haunting, too.

GILMAN (Supporting)

About 17. Caucasian. Gilman's a self-professed Nazi and tries to look Germanic... or at least his conception of what that is. This character is loosely based on Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold -- the Columbine shooters. Gilman tries to look intimidating and acts as though he needs and cares about no one. He has a small group of followers and spews a lot of vitriol against gays and minorities.

Larry admires Gilman because he appears to have important ideas. In reality, Gilman is the opposite of everything he claims to be. He has no philosophies and can't rationalize his hate. He's scared, in need of attention, admiration, and love.

RAND (Supporting)

About 15/16. Caucasian. Slim. Rand's seen mostly as a ghost throughout the piece, or a manifestation of Larry's guilt, though he's also glimpsed in flashbacks. Until he got mixed-up with drugs he was an outgoing, likable kid from a well-to-do family. Secretly Rand was in love with Larry.

This actor should have strong improv skills.

LARRY'S MOM (Supporting)

Larry's mom is in her late 40s to early 50s. Caucasian. She has a 13 year old son (Jim) with severe emotional problems who has tried to commit suicide. Her other son (Larry) is in a downward spiral ever since causing the accidental death of his best friend. Her husband has cancer. Larry's Mom copes by drinking.

This is a family that at one time, not too long ago, probably seemed "together" -- though the microscopic fissures that would cause the foundation to crumble were already there.

She's a good woman who might not be strong enough, or have the knowledge, to save her family. I believe this role can become more than what's written depending on how creative the actress is, and how much she's willing to give. It demands someone who's going to bring ideas to the table, carry them out, and give the woman depth and a secret life.

RAND'S MOM (Supporting)

Also in her late 40s to early 50s. Caucasian. Upper middle class. Proper but not stuffy. Educated. Well-spoken. Maternal. Gentle. Sensitive. On the surface she's pulled together. She has a successful husband, a beautiful house and car... but she's in denial. After Rand's death, she found the pictures Rand took of Jim, but can't bring herself to blame her son. It's also revealed that Rand didn't die as a result of the blow to the head Larry delivered. He committed suicide. Here is a woman whose life seemed to be one thing and turned out to be another. She must be confused, at a loss for an explanation, but grasping for one. Life seems unreal; however, she is quietly doing her best to cope.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

This project is being shot under SAG's Ultra Low Budget Agreement, which pays $100 per day. Of course, we are also providing on-set meals, and a copy of the final project on DVD. For any actors we cast out-of-state we will provide local living accommodations.

Our tentative shoot date is Summer 2009.

TO AUDITION

Please submit a headshot, and a recent non-professional photo to info@ahhaonline.com. In addition, please indicate which role you are intersted.

Auditions are being held in the Los Angeles area.