Pearl

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When a midwestern poet (Dan Butler) visits an elderly relative (Frances Sternhagen) to bring news of his mother’s recent death, the visit takes an unsettling turn. Adapted from a poem of the same name by former US poet laureate Ted Kooser.

Film Details

Director: Dan Butler

Writer: Dan Butler (adapted from Ted Kooser poem)

Year of Release: 2012

Running Time: 17

New England Connection: Richard Waterhouse (the producer of Pearl) and Dan Butler (director and actor) have lived in Vermont for the past 6 years. Though Pearl is set in the midwest, it was shot completely in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Director(s) Bio:: An actor, writer, director, and producer, Dan is probably best known as “Bulldog” from the tv series, Frasier. His one-man show The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me… garnered critical acclaim across the country, including Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations. In 2006, Dan produced, co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in the faux documentary Karl Rove, I Love You which the Huffington Post called “hilarious and unsettling -- a political Blair Witch Project.” Acting credits include major roles On and Off-Broadway and at repertory companies across the US as well as numerous television shows including House, Law and Order, From the Earth to the Moon, and Prayers for Bobby. Film credits include: Crazy, Stupid Love, Silence of the Lambs, Enemy of the State, Fixing Frank, and Chronic Town. Dan’s also been active with suicide prevention, and in 1995 was HRC’s National Coming Out Day spokesperson. Dan and his husband Richard Waterhouse recently formed 2nd Act Productions, and their short film Pearl, which Dan directed and adapted from former US poet laurate Ted Kooser’s poem, is now making the film festival rounds. 2 years ago they collaborated on another short film comedy directed by Richard and starring Dan called Respect for Acting which can be viewed on youtube.