TRUST (1990)

Summary:

Hal Hartley's independent film "Trust" explores the unlikely relationship between two social outcasts in a suburban American town. Maria, a pregnant, cynical teenager, is thrown out of her home after her father dies from the shock of her pregnancy. She finds herself drawn to Matthew, a brilliant but socially awkward and emotionally repressed electronics repairman who lives under the thumb of his abusive father.

The film follows their journey as they navigate their shared disillusionment with the world, their search for genuine connection, and their struggle to find a sense of trust and belonging amidst a backdrop of dysfunctional families and societal pressures. Their bond is built on a mutual understanding of loneliness and a desire for authenticity in a world they perceive as fake.

Keywords: Trust, 1990, Adrienne Shelly, Martin Donovan, Hal Hartley, Independent Film, Comedy-Drama, Romance.Plot:

Maria Coughlin, a pregnant high school student, faces immediate tragedy when her father dies of a heart attack upon learning of her pregnancy. Her mother, Peg, blames Maria and kicks her out of the house. Abandoned by her boyfriend, Maria wanders the town until she encounters Matthew Slaughter, an intelligent but extremely shy and emotionally volatile electronics repairman. Matthew lives with his abusive father and equally troubled brother, Jim.

Maria, seeking refuge, eventually moves in with Matthew's dysfunctional family. Despite their starkly different personalities – Maria's sharp cynicism and Matthew's intense, almost obsessive quest for truth and honesty – they form an unexpected and profound connection. Their relationship deepens as they share their philosophical views on trust, love, and the often-deceitful nature of human interactions, all while dealing with the eccentricities and challenges presented by their respective families and the small-town environment. The film delves into their shared desire for an honest and meaningful existence, even as they struggle to define what "trust" truly means to them.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Adrienne Shelly as Maria Coughlin
• Martin Donovan as Matthew Slaughter
• John MacKay as Jim Slaughter
• Edie Falco as Peg Coughlin
• Gary Sauer as Jean Coughlin

Crew:

• Director: Hal Hartley
• Writer: Hal Hartley
• Producer: Hal Hartley, Jerome Brownstein
• Cinematography: Michael Spiller
• Editor: Hal Hartley
• Music: Philip Hartley

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: July 26, 1990 (Sundance Film Festival) / November 16, 1990 (USA limited release)
• Language: English
• Genre: Independent, Comedy-Drama, Romance
• Running Time: 107 minutes
• Accolades: Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award (Hal Hartley) at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival