Towelhead – Nothing Is Private (2007)

Directed by: Alan Ball | 124 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Summer Bishil, Peter Macdissi, Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Chase Ellison, Chris Messina, Eugene Jones III, Matt Letscher, Gemmenne de la Peña, Robert Baker, Carrie Preston, Shari Headley, Randy J. Goodwin

Towelhead is set against the backdrop of the Gulf War. Growing up as a Lebanese girl in the suburbs of prejudiced America is not easy. But that is unfortunately not the only problem for the only thirteen-year-old Jasira (Summer Bishil). Her mother (Mario Bello) is jealous of her beauty and the attention her boyfriend gives her daughter; a reason for her to send Jasira to her father. Papa Rifat (Peter Macdissi) lives in the suburbs and is also very strict. Jasira’s new neighbor Travis Vuoso (Aaron Eckhart) is a reservist and has been attracted to this beautiful young lady from minute one. The feeling seems mutual and she enjoys the attention, but Vuoso also takes advantage of that… In addition, Vuoso is a racist and that creates difficult situations with Jasira’s father. Fortunately, the pregnant neighbor Melina (Toni Collette) is back from her honeymoon and she keeps an eye on things, as best as she can.

Fortunately, the film is not as heavy as expected from the story. How could it be otherwise with director Alan Ball who has become known for his screenplay for the dark classic ‘American Beauty’. But Towelhead’ is, despite all the – mostly black – humor sometimes difficult to watch. The film owes this mainly to the fact that Summer Bishil (almost eighteen during the shooting) portrays a disturbingly good thirteen-year-old. So believable that the not-yet-explicit sex scenes with her pedophile neighbor really go too far for the viewer. It is a strange experience to see Aaron Eckhart (best known for ‘No Reservations’ and ‘The Black Dahlia’) in an unsympathetic, almost filthy, role. With his revealing glances at Jasira he knows how to arouse the necessary horror and you would almost want to do something to him. Toni Collette is the big heroine for the viewer this time, as a heavily pregnant neighbor she keeps a close eye on her young girl next door. An extremely suitable role for the Australian Collette who, after many top films, still does not receive the recognition from the general public that she deserves.

In short, there are three reasons why you should see ‘Towelhead’. First of all, this semi-autobiographical film touches you in a certain way and doesn’t let go. Second, the unknown (but not for very long) Summer Bishil plays a fantastically beautiful and Oscar-worthy role, and thirdly, ‘Towelhead’ is proof that Hollywood is still capable of delivering top films.