Quietly on By **
Frank V. Ross, 2005
US
@ IFC Center

Ross directs Anthony Baker in another awesomely physical role. Baker plays Aaron, a twentysomething guy who lives at home, working hard and saving up money until there is a nervous breakdown (the point at which the film begins) and he just starts sitting around the house. Aaron is that guy who you hang out with but nobody really likes. He never has anything else to do, and as such always overstays his welcome, pushing people to the limit, even though he can't always see that's what he's doing. I was squirming in my seat much of the time, as it can be grueling to watch a mostly harmless guy constantly condescended to, and filled with so much self-loathing.

Ross, who's in Joe Swanberg's Young American Bodies, says he'll be starring in his next film, though he didn't reveal any details beyond that.

See also: Website

Hohokam **
Frank V. Ross, 2007
US
@ IFC Center

Named after the native civilization which predated European settlement of the Phoenix area, this is another film that stands out in the New Talkies series due to the unusual location. Basically it explores an unexciting yet fulfilling relationship between two people somewhere in the Valley of the Sun, which looks harsh and inhumane, full of undeveloped lots and pedestrian-hostile highways. Ross focuses a lot on bodily functions (excretion, sickness, hydration, etc.) at least partially as they are affected by the Arizona climate. His was perhaps the most edifying post-screening Q&A I've attended thus far. The score was recorded by Happy Apple, and is probably roughly what you might expect if you're familiar with them.

See also: Website