Part of Film4's current and ongoing Generation Next season, Quiet City continues the so-called Mumblecore genre. A movement in film that has only recently been acknowlegded although early influences include the innovative Kids (1995).Unlike controversial Larry Clark though Aaron Katz will not be celebrated/ridiculed as prominently for his portrayal of urban youth, here the protagonists are young adults rather than kids. The subject matter of the conversations are of course similar and quite often just as cringing. Topics include and focus upon maturity, sex and relationships but it is the approach that is unique, often flirting with that line of over-the-top self-analysis but never actually crossing it as in Short Bus (2006).
Katz directs this, his third feature, his second, Dance Party, USA (2006) also features in the Generation Next season. Jamie (Erin Fisher) travels to Brooklyn to visit her friend Samantha. When she gets stood up she asks future-bff-to-be Charlie (Cris Lankenau) for directions. The couple hit it off and their journey of discovery begins. We see them hang-out, visit friends and go to an art gallery.
Of course nothing really happens and when it does it is without purpose. When visiting his old buddy Adam (Joe Swanberg) with the intention of reclaiming a long forgotten hat we see in the next scene that Charlie has once again left it behind. Katz' efforts here are at least more memorable.
Other notable films from the season include Mutual Appreciation (2005) and The Puffy Chair (2005).
