Grind (1997 film)

Grind
Film poster
Directed by Chris Kentis
Written by
Produced by Laura Lau
Starring
Cinematography Stephen Kazmierski
Edited by Chris Kentis
Music by Brian Kelly
Production
company
Kodiak Productions
Distributed by Castle Hill Productions
Release date
  • April 11, 1997
Running time
96 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $5000 (US)

Grind is a 1997 American drama film directed by Chris Kentis and written by Laura Lau. It stars Billy Crudup, Adrienne Shelly, and Paul Schulze. Crudup plays an ex-con caught in a spiral of dead-end jobs and poor choices.

Overview

A handsome drifter who has just been released from prison shows up on the doorstep of his older brother.

Cast

Release

Grind was released April 11, 1997, in the United States, where it made $5000.

Reception

Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that the film initially has the potential to be "an American neo-realist gem" but descends into melodrama. Leonard Klady of Variety wrote, "While director and co-writer Chris Kentis' debut feature is not distinctive visually or more than mildly intriguing dramatically, neither is it offensive or inept." Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club wrote, "While Grind captures its blue-collar milieu with a certain amount of accuracy and conviction, it can't overcome its weak, predictable script and uneven performances." Kevin Thomas of The Los Angeles Times called it "a fine and involving accomplishment" that should launch the careers of all involved.