Tony Kaye can officially be removed from the list of directors who’ve gone quiet. After a long hiatus, he’s making a return with his first film in well over a decade.
Kaye is set to debut “The Trainer” at this month’s Tribeca Film Festival. Billed as a “satirical Los Angeles fairy tale,” the film explores the strange world of gym culture in the City of Angels. Based on the plot summary, it sounds like a truly offbeat experience.
The film follows Jack Flex, inventor of a dubious weighted hat meant to boost “hope molecules” in the brain. Though clearly a scam, the device offers Flex and his mother a shot at success. With help from a driven home shopping assistant, Flex embarks on a chaotic week in L.A., crossing paths with celebrities and power players who could make his dream a reality.
Describing “The Trainer” as a “punk Marvel movie,” Kaye has assembled a cast that includes Julia Fox, Beverly D’Angelo, Gina Gershon, Taylour Paige, Stephen Dorff, and Coleen Camp. The film is still looking for a U.S. distributor.
Kaye is best remembered for “American History X” (1998), a great film that’s gained a loyal following over the past 25 years. Before that, he was known for his work in commercials and music videos. Despite the promise, “American History X” was mired in controversy, and studio conflicts nearly derailed his career. Famously, the version released in theaters was re-edited by star Edward Norton, prompting Kaye to disown the film and unsuccessfully petition for his name to be removed from the credits.
Many believe the fallout from “American History X” led to Kaye being effectively blacklisted. Though he directed a few projects afterward, most never saw proper releases due to behind-the-scenes turmoil. His last feature, “Detachment,” came out 14 years ago. While it flew under the radar during its limited release, the film later gained a devoted audience, now boasting a 7.7 IMDb rating and nearly 84,000 votes — despite grossing only $70,000 in theaters.
Whatever one thinks of Kaye and his tumultuous history, he’s a filmmaker who’s always sparked interest. “The Trainer” marks a new chapter, and it’ll be fascinating to see what he brings to the screen after all these years.