AFF Review: Baghdad Texas
The Austin Screens category at Austin Film Festival is a showcase of local emerging talent that might not otherwise be on everyone's radar. Arguably the best film in this category in 2009 is Baghdad Texas.
A fleeing Middle Eastern dictator's plane crashes. Three Texas ranchers coming back from a rowdy time in Mexico hit what they think is a Mexican illegal immigrant. When they look through his clothes, they notice foreign currency with the likeness of Brando (Al No'mani), the most wanted man in the world, and the scrambling begins.
Finances have forced Randall (Robert Prentis) to turn to exotic hunting to make ends meet, with the help of his son Limon (Ryan Boggus), ranch hand Seth (Barry Tubb), and a pragmatic housekeeper, Carmen (Melinda Renna, pictured above). An eager FBI agent (Shaneye Ferrell) is looking to prove herself despite a lackadiasical boss. When the ranchers realize who they put in the back of their truck, the antics begin. As everyone pursues their own interest to comedic ends, the two illegals who occasionally work on the farm engage in spectator sports.
Baghdad Texas has a story that requires a certain amount of trust from the audience, as some devices seem incongruous among more conventional ones in this comedy of circumstance. And with the minimal character development, that begins to wear thin. But like any good comedy, it all works out in the end, although not necessarily how you'd expect. The unpolished quality to the film suits the earthy characters found on both sides of the Texas border. While Seth is a recognizable caricature, the others aren't as excessive.
The standout performance is delivered by Renna, whose sensible Carmen has heart, but it's not bleeding. No'mani's performance is also notable, but mostly at the resolution, when some seemingly random moments have been resolved.
The cast of Baghdad Texas may not all be recognizable, but perusing their credits will include quite a few familiar productions. The most notable among them, Al No'mani, was formerly known as Kaied "the Brad Pitt of Iraq" Hassan before immigrating to the US after falling out of favor with Saddam Hussein. He appeared in David O. Russell's Three Kings and a very memorable role on Arrested Development. Sadly, No'mani passed away suddenly in April.
Director David Hickey, who currently teaches at the Austin School of Film, co-wrote the script with Ferrell and No'mani. All three worked together previously on The Hassans, a documentary about No'mani and his family's decision to immigrate.
Baghdad Texas plays again at 7 pm at the Arbor on Thursday, October 29, as part of the Austin Film Festival. Austin Film Festival continues through Thursday.