Director's Cut

Madison

Brent Notbohm, writer/director

It's Christmas time in Madison. The students have gone home, and a snow-covered State Street is vacant. Michael, an emotionally damaged war correspondent, returns to his college town in search of solace and his lost idealism. While Michael is out on the town with his old friend, Ben, they meet a political science graduate student named Ash who still thinks he can change the world. The three hold frank discussions on the violence in Iraq over pool at the Plaza and beers at Mickey's. Interspersed with striking shots of Bascom Hill, the Memorial Union Terrace, and State Street, Madison's wintry stillness contrasts the desert chaos that psychologically haunts Michael; heightening the distance between where he is and where he has been. This film had a run at the Sundance Theatre here in Madison.

26:08

Recorded Aug. 28, 2008.