Two kids run away to Hollywood and end up in a New Jersey bar. Dreams are weird.
Nancy Savoca’s second student film follows two twelve-year olds, Bobby (Joey D’Arelli) and Denise (Kelly Cinnante) who run away to Hollywood. They land at an open mic night in a New Jersey bar where Bobby’s aunt and uncle (once aspiring actors) lay out the realities of life as a working actor. The film was inspired by performers Savoca met while making her first student film, most notably William DaPrato. Filled with wry humor and quiet revelations about the pursuit of artistic dreams, Bad Timing also features Marianne Leone and the on-screen debut of future Academy Award winner Chris Cooper.
Acting
Chris Cooper's debut—already magnetic before the Oscar.
Writing
Savoca's wry ear for how adults disappoint kids gently.
Director
Nancy Savoca
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Chris Cooper's screen debut, four years before Matewan and thirteen before his Oscar for Adaptation.
Savoca cast William DaPrato, the real-life inspiration, as the emcee—blurring documentary and fiction before it was trendy.
US
