“Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets set Sundance a buzz in January, not only because it was enjoyed by all who saw it, but for its questions: was this about a fascinating group of real characters, or was it great acting? You decide. Bill and Turner Ross, peripatetic American independent filmmakers, found a dive bar in Las Vegas with its loyal patrons “celebrating” the last night of its existence, which also happened to be the night before the 2016 Presidential elections. Films at Lincoln Center, which premiered Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets virtually two weeks ago, called this exceptional human comedy a ‘sweet dream of a farewell. ‘” — Laurence Kardish, co-artistic director, FilmColumbia
“The most important thing is that it is genuinely great, a singular and moving glimpse of loneliness, community and finding the strength to face another day.” — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times
“As a film, it’s warm and beautiful without being sentimental about the temporary intimacy that alcohol can provide, creating bonds that can dissolve in the daylight-like haze but are no less legitimate in the moment for it.” — Alison Willmore, New York Magazine
“This movie creates illusions of truth out of artifice that happens to look, act, smell and taste like its own indelible reality.” — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
directed by
Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross
Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross
with
Michael Martin
Michael Martin