Off the Map (2005)

Synopsis: Across the ancient high desert landscape of northern New Mexico, an extraordinary family embarks on a lyrical journey of self-discovery that reveals unexpected moments of grace and the unpredictable but enduring nature of love. In Campbell Scott's OFF THE MAP, the poetry of a time and a... Across the ancient high desert landscape of northern New Mexico, an extraordinary family embarks on a lyrical journey of self-discovery that reveals unexpected moments of grace and the unpredictable but enduring nature of love. In Campbell Scott's OFF THE MAP, the poetry of a time and a place marked by simplicity comes into full bloom. It's 1974 and the harshly beautiful wilds of Taos are home to 11-year-old Bo Groden (Valentina de Angelis) and her free-thinking family. While constantly yearning for escape from her sparse environment, Bo passes the time with flair and imagination. She's a crack shot with a rifle and a bow and arrow, an artful plunderer of wallets and briefcases, and the compelling mistress of ceremonies for a moonlit three-ring circus of her own invention. Bo's home is an entrancing, challenging place that she will one day transcend to become the woman she was destined to be. Arlene (Joan Allen), Bo's warm, earthy, and eccentric mother, raises most of the family's food in her vegetable garden -- which she prefers to tend in the nude. Meanwhile, Bo's father, Charley (Sam Elliott), the embodiment of Old West masculinity, is losing the battle with his inner demons. When William Gibbs (Jim True-Frost) arrives, a hapless IRS agent with demons of his own, he soon proves to be a catalyst in the lives of the family during this watershed summer. Embraced by the Grodens' idyllic, peculiar world, Gibbs eventually abandons an investigation into the Grodens' tax history and realizes he has fallen in love with both the place and its people. In a surge of creative energy, Gibbs dips a brush in paint and pours his feelings out on canvas, discovering a long hidden talent for artistic expression. The Grodens, too, make their own discoveries over the course of this memorable season -- the mysteries of love and loss, the power of family unity, and the eternal truth that in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, anything is possible. Holedigger Studios presents OFF THE MAP, directed by Campbell Scott from a play by Joan Ackermann, who adapted the material for the screen. Scott and George Van Buskirk produced the film, with Martin Garvey and David Newman serving as executive producers. Jonathan Filley is the co-producer. The creative team includes director of photography Juan Ruiz Anchía, editor Andy Keir and production designer Chris Shriver. Amy Westcott designed the costumes and the original music is by Gary DeMichele. Marc Campbell is music supervisor. OFF THE MAP stars Joan Allen, a three-time Oscar® nominee for her performances in THE CONTENDER, THE CRUCIBLE and NIXON, Valentina de Angelis, Sam Elliott, J.K. Simmons, Jim True-Frost and Amy Brenneman. -- © Hole Digger Films [More]