Old Joy
by Kelly Reichardt
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Daniel London, Keri Moran, Robin Rosenberg, Tanya Smith, Will OldhamDirector: Kelly Reichardt
Brand: Kino International
Writer: Kelly Reichardt
Producer: Anish Savjani
Producer: Jay Van Hoy
Producer: Joshua Blum
Producer: Julie Fischer
Producer: Lars Knudsen
Producer: Mike S. Ryan
Writer: Jonathan Raymond
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 76 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-05-01
Audience Rating: Unrated
Model: 5042
Studio: Kino International
Movie Reviews of Old Joy
Movie Review: An Accurate Depiction of the Bagby Experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I probably can add little to the many comments here about this movie itself; you can read as many who think the movie is great as who think it is a waste of time. Therefore, I would like to address the Bagby Hot Springs experience. [Like many, many others, Bagby is one of my two favorite hots springs in the Northwest. (My other favorite is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in Idaho.)] First, when I saw these two men drive across a particular bridge I told my wife they're going the wrong way. And, of course, we learn that they did get lost. So, if you think you'd like to visit Bagby, bear in mind that the roads shown in the movie, while in general give the feel of the forty miles from Estacada, should not be believed is the right way out there. Years ago there used to be signs directing the way, but the last time I went there the signs had been removed so you really have to know on your own how to get there.
The movie gives the impression that it is undeveloped, except at the hot springs itself. In fact, there is a good-sized parking lot and a forest service campground almost next to the Bagby parking areas. [I have seen a 'milk truck' concession stand there in busy weekends.] Once you are parked, you immediately go across a Forest Service footbridge over a creek, and then start up the trail, about a mile and a half to the hot springs. With my family it would take twenty to thirty minutes to walk. I don't know what trail they followed up in the movie, but it looks a lot more rugged than the actual trail. There is at least one more footbridge to cross on the way in or out. So, once again the movie gives you a good feeling of being in the rain forest, but it is not along the actual trail.
What you see in the movie is the actual Bagby Hot Springs, My whole family, and friends who went with us, soaked in the actual hollowed out cedar log tubs shown in the movie. There is also a four or five person hot tub under the roof the movie shows. [If you are a bit too shy to go in the communal areas, there are maybe half a dozen private enclosures on the other side of the communal area walls.] The depiction of the two friend's soak in the hot water is exactly how it really is. It may seem boring to some, and it may be boring watching others in a movie, but the actual sound of the water and the many birds chirping or warbling, and even the gentle breeze have a tendency to create a spontaneous reverence arising from Nature. Needless talking there is about as out of place as babbling aloud in a great cathedral. So, it may seem that the movie lacks dialogue there, but that really is how one in tune with Nature feels while soaking at Bagby.
Don't get the idea that Bagby Hot Springs is as unused as the movie makes it seem. I've been there only once when nobody else was there, and that on a miserable rainy, cold summer weekday. Indeed, if it is a nice weekend day, you can expect to have to wait for your turn. But, the wait is worth it. Also, this truly is a family destination; the hike is challenging to children, but well within their abilities. Our kids have almost always found other kids out there to play with. Finally, at the end of the movie it says that nudity is not allowed. Hogwash. I can't recall ever being there when somebody wore a bathing suit, and that includes toddlers, children, adolescents, adults and even the elderly. So, if you are offended by the naked body, you'd do best to look for one of the more remote hot springs in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, when the guys in the movie go naked in the log tubs, that is how you'll find it if you visit the place, except that also there with you will be the thin, fat, young or old naked people also soaking as well.
In short, I don't think there could be a more realistic and accurate depiction of the Bagby Hot Springs experience than that shown in this movie. The only reservation would be that the trail to it looks a lot less developed in the movie than it actually is. The trail Mark and Kurt are shown walking on as they leave is the actual trail. If you find this movie boring or not to your liking, then you probably aren't cut out to soak in Nature as you soak in Her natural hot springs.
Summary of Old Joy
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