A poetry slam romance that asks: can love survive competitive rhyming and Fred Willard?
An angry coffeehouse poet meets an attractive, conservative publisher, who is interested in his work. She wants him to enter the Los Angeles Poetron, a contest where poetry is read competitively. Jake rejects the idea because he believes poetry is an art and not a competition. But the beautiful Marni sways Jake—it’s love at first sight.
Acting
Fred Willard as Longfellow because of course he is
Production
Genuine LA poetry scene authenticity
Writing
The 'Poetron' tournament concept is gloriously specific
Director
E. Paul Edwards
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'Poetron' tournament was inspired by real 1990s poetry slam competitions that swept through Los Angeles coffeehouses before going mainstream.
This film captures the tail end of the indie romantic drama boom that 'Garden State' kicked off — earnest, quirky, and slightly embarrassed about its own sincerity.
US
