Durant's Never Closes

Durant's Never Closes is an intriguing 2016 dramatic thriller directed by Travis Mills that offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of Phoenix, Arizona's most notorious figures—Jack Durant. Played by Tom Sizemore, an actor known for his distinctive portrayals of complex, often flawed characters, Jack Durant is a figure who embodies both allure and enigma—a restaurant owner whose personal and professional life invites as much intrigue as his famous establishment.

Tom Sizemore's masterful portrayal of Jack Durant tantalizingly unpacks the nuances and layers of this complex character. Durant comes off as a charming, charismatic, and somewhat mysterious individual, with more than a few unspoken secrets comfortably hidden beneath his confident veneer. Jurassic Park's Jon Gries joins the strong ensemble cast as an unspecified role that adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story. Film historian and seasoned director Peter Bogdanovich also makes a significant appearance, further elevating the film's overall caliber.

Durant's Never Closes vividly excavates the intriguing array of characters and incidents that weave in and out of Jack Durant’s world. The narrative unfolds mostly within the confines of his famous steakhouse, Durant's, a Phoenix institution that stands the test of time, with decades of history etched into its mirrors and countertop.

The steakhouse, despite its traditional exterior, is far from a lunch and dinner spot. Over the years, it has morphed into a platform for deal-making, gossip, and conversation and has served as the backdrop for political wrangling, business deals, and intense personal interactions. Notably, even its grandeur does not shield it from the conspiracies, controversies, and illicit activities that often mark Jack Durant's personal and business life.

Mirroring its complex proprietor, the steakhouse transforms from a mere restaurant into a labyrinthine cosmos of secrets, stories, and power plays. A series of conflicts and encounters over a single day serve to highlight the complex web of connections that Durant has cultivated and underscore the inextricable linkage between Durant's personal dealings and his successful operation of the restaurant.

Durant's Never Closes is a film that doesn't draw its drama from high-octane action sequences or high-stakes heists; instead, it derives its tension and intensity from its characters and their intricate relationships and interactions. It's a character-driven narrative buoyed by nuanced performances and a strong sense of place. It immerses viewers in Durant's world—the characters that populate it and the stories that swirl around it. Alongside the intrigue, however, there is an exploration of deeper themes—of power and relationships, of secrecy and honesty, of the intersections of the personal and the public.

The cinematography, sound design, and production values in Durant's Never Closes work together to create an atmosphere that distills Durant's world to its essence - opulent but tightly knit, breathtakingly enigmatic, and unnervingly charismatic. With clever direction and beautifully crafted dialogue, the film ensures that we are drawn into Durant's world and the often shadowy happenings that occur within it. The flawless screenplay injects a dimension of realism into the narrative, making each character believable and relatable while smoothly maintaining the essence of the real-life events.

The strengths of Durant's Never Closes lie not only in its vivid recreation of a mesmerizing historical figure but also in its unwavering commitment to authenticity. This film takes audiences on a compelling journey into the heart of an enigma, prompting them to question where the fine line between truth, deception, and personal myth-making lies.

Moving at a measured pace, Durant's Never Closes gives the audiences enough time to absorb and appreciate every interaction, every line of dialogue, and every subtle expression. This leaves viewers intrigued and eager to decipher the enigma that is Jack Durant—proprietor, powerbroker, and urban myth—in all his flamboyant, troubling, and complicated glory. As a result, Durant's Never Closes is more than just entertainment—it's something of a Phoenix history lesson that unfolds painstakingly, revealing the intricate fabric of one man's life and the city he helped shape. Every scene draws you deeper into the intriguing universe of this captivating character study.

In conclusion, Durant's Never Closes is a film that is sure to captivate viewers looking for deeply rooted storytelling anchored by compelling characters, authentic settings, and a hint of real-life history. The beauty and brilliance of this cinematic creation capture the paradoxes of Jack Durant’s life, drawing you into his world, and leaving you there—pondering, questioning, and wanting to decipher more.