David Grubin’s first feature film will prove quite the experience for musicians, music lovers and, well, pretty much everyone else. In Downtown Express, the esteemed television documentarian and producer marries his passion for classical music to his deep interest in the American immigrant’s personal, political and cultural experience. The resulting product is a story not entirely unfamiliar to the viewer or the big screen: after immigrating to the States, a parent and child clash as they develop conflicting notions of the American Dream. However, the musical essence of the film (which has no score, but a constant, live flow of music throughout) is fundamentally new. As the first independent American film to feature a classical musician as the lead, Downtown Express hits almost all of the right notes.
Grammy-nominated violinist Philippe Quint plays Sasha, a Russian immigrant and Julliard music student living in Brighton Beach with his father (Michael Cumptsy) and cousin (Ashley Springer). Although the family lives modestly, Vadim, the father, is pleased to see Sasha living out his (the father’s) dream of becoming a successful, classical musician: “You are going to be eagle, Sasha! An eagle soaring across America!” he says, laughing. Vadim is kind, but overbearing (often bursting in on Sasha’s lessons and schooling the Julliard instructor on Tchaikovsky as only a Russian cellist could) and becomes angry when Sasha does the unthinkable—and joins a band.
While Cumptsy is a rather seasoned actor (with numerous roles on Broadway and in film and television), Quint took acting classes for three years to prepare for the role of Sasha. His inexperience sometimes shows, but the overall performance is solid. The numerous musical performances are, however, nothing short of astounding.