Turning his hand to writing and directing, Steve Buscemi’s debut feature Trees Lounge is a still-largely unsung indie masterpiece capturing the chaos of hopeless loser Tommy (Buscemi) as he stumbles through life, occasionally trying to pull himself together but always falling apart again. 

It radiates authenticity capturing the characters, domestic rivalries and melancholy of this suburban life where the bar - Trees Lounge of the title – and alcohol are his refuge. 

The film made such an impression on Sopranos creator David Chase that he hired the film’s casting director to cast Sopranos and gave Buscemi four episodes to direct and made him a regular member of cast in season five (as Tony Soprano’s cousin Tony B).  

Evoking the lived in feel of vintage John Cassavetes, this disarmingly perceptive blue-collar character study is anchored by Buscemi’s compelling performance turning what could just be a selfish, irresponsible character into someone we want to see redeemed.

A 4K restoration c/o IndieCollect.