Godmoney

Godmoney released in 1997 is an independent movie written and directed by Darron Doane. The film starred Rick Rodney, the lead singer of the hardcore band Strife as Nathan, who fled a troubled past in New York City to relocate in California. He ends up living in the Valley, and struggles to find and keep work, which causes him to struggle to afford rent, and leads him back into the same life that he fled New York to escape. The film is gritty, yet also has the sunny 90s California look that was the trademark of movies and music videos of the era, and it also shows that even in the suburbs things aren't as great as they look, because people have problems everywhere. I first heard about this film, in a skateboard magazine back in 1999, not because of the movie but because of the soundtrack. The film had an amazing soundtrack featuring songs by Descendents, Pennywise, MxPx, Dance Hall Crashers, Blink 182, AFI, Rollins Band, Stavesacre, Slick Shoes, Far, Down By Law, Guttermouth, Stanford Prison Experiment, Chance 22, Farside, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Living Sacrifice, Strife, and Ten Foot Pole. I found a copy of the soundtrack at a local record shop back in 1999, but never found the movie until 2012 when I was able to watch it on Netflix, and then amazingly found a copy on DVD for $1 at a pawn shop years later. The film is definitely an independent film, but though it is obvious that it is filmed with a lower budget than a major Hollywood production, it is surprisingly well done. The acting though amateurish actually works well, and the actors seem really well cast for their roles, especially Rick Rodney in his acting debut as Nathan. The film looks really good, even though it isn't as polished as a big budget production. This movie however has a long history and faced problems and issues from the very beginning. Doane first tried to make the movie in 1992 with Christian Bale cast as Nathan, but after shooting the first twelve minutes of the movie they ran out of money, and couldn't finish it. Years later they reshot with a new cast, and completed the film. Even with the film complete Doane struggled to find any film companies to release the film, and it even got rejected by all of the film festivals. The film became an obsession of Doane's and by his own admission he admits that making Godmoney turned him into a really bad person, and because of how he hated how he lied, cheated, and stole to make the film, it led him to becoming a Christian and giving his life to Christ. I always wondered why there were so many Christian punk bands on the soundtrack, and after learning that about director it made sense why he chose the bands for the soundtrack that he did. Would I recommend this movie? Yes, absolutely! I love this movie, and it is one that I return to often, it has a great compelling story, it looks good, the acting is really well done especially considering that the actors are all amateurs. The soundtrack is also one of the best 90s era punk and hardcore soundtracks that I have ever heard, and has always been in heavy rotation in my cd collection. I don't know if it is a must see for everyone, but I would recommend giving it a chance, especially if you appreciate independent films.