Digging for Fire

100 Movies in 100 Days
Movie 6 Day 6
Digging for Fire

I decided to mix things up a bit and watch Digging for Fire. I've always wanted to watch this movie because I adore the talented cast. It's like a Where's Waldo of famous people. Director Joe Swanberg is known for casting his friends and family, this movie is no exception. Jake Johnson plays public school teacher Tim and Rosemarie DeWitt plays his yoga instructor wife named Lee. The film also costars Chris Messina as Tango, Sam Rockwell as Ray, Orlando Bloom as Ben, Anna Kendrick as Alycia, and Brie Larson as Max.

Fun trivia via IMDB Joe Swanberg and Jake Johnson co-wrote Digging for Fire in a 2 page outline. Joe Swanberg is known for filming movies with no active script. Digging for Fire was filmed with a loose outline and the rest is improvised by the actors. It's an unconventional way to direct but Swanberg seems to have it down pretty well. The actor's lines flow seamlessly, it's very impressive considering it's mostly improv.

What would you do if you were house sitting and you found a bone and a gun buried in the backyard? Have a booze and drug infused digging party.....duh! Digging for Fire starts with Lee and Tim arguing about finishing their taxes while house sitting. This also happens on the same day that Tim finds a gun and bone in the backyard. Lee decides to go to her parent's house for the weekend while Tim stays home. Tim calls his friends over, they get drunk, do a bunch of cocaine, smoke a bunch of pot and start digging in the backyard. They end up finding random items likes a license plate, a shoe, and more bones. Tim tries to call the cops but unless they find a real body, the cops won't send anyone out.

Lee decides to have a night out for herself and she meets Ben at a local restaurant. Ben defends Lee from a drunk guy hitting on her. Ben tries to escort drunk guy out and ends up with a cut on his head. Lee and Ben end up having a little adventure of their own but I'm not gonna give away any spoilers!

Digging for Fire is a ton of fun to watch. It asks the question, what happens when friends start to grow apart? Tim is a father but Ray and Tango are still partying and sleeping with random women. Lee loves her family but still has the question of what if. I know it sounds cliche but the characters are wonderfully human. I see myself and some of my friends in each character. I found myself connecting with these people. Ok, I might not obsessively dig in the backyard for God knows what but I can see why someone would. 

After watching Digging for Fire, I really want to work with Joe Swanberg. The way he films his movies with no script is absolutely fascinating. The dialog moves smoothly and with ease. It must be a wonderful atmosphere on set to be free with these characters. I would love to be a part of a film like that. #BucketList

If you are looking for something fun to watch and have a spare hour and a half, check out Digging for Fire. It has an independent feel to it. It seems like a simple story but there is so much more lurking under the surface. Enjoy!