Camp Destiny, Vermont

Author(s): Evan Dunbar

Location: NY

"Camp Destiny, Vermont"

Directed By: Julian Schnabel
Written By: Diablo Cody
Score: Marc Mancina
Cinematography: Janusz Kaminski
Distributed By: Miramax Pictures and Fox Searchlight

Main Cast

Young Bryce – Max Penraat
Young Kati – Eve Perchanok
Young Saharo – Gideon Olshansky
Young Olivine – Singha Hon
Older Bryce – Ben Foster
Older Kati – Emma Stone
Older Saharo – Michael Cera
Older Olivine – Lucy Liu

Tagline: "I Wouldn’t Be Better, I’d Just Be Better Now"

Synopsis: Four 14 year-olds who are basically from different universes, meet at a sleep away camp. Bryce is an artist from Montana, Kati, a valley girl from Beverly Hills, Saharo, a male model from Richmond, Virginia, and Olivine, a politically active emo girl from New York City. The four become close friends, forming bonds through their shared experiences. These range from conquering Olivine’s fear of water, to warding off a bear on an overnight. On the last night of camp, Saharo confesses his love for
olivine, and she says she loves him too. The next day sweet goodbyes among the four friends are exchanged, who must now return to the world of stereotypes, where they can’t be themselves without some kind of ridicule.

Over the next few months, the shy and reflective Bryce tries to connect again with Olivine, who basically pushes him away. Bryce recoils and asks Kati for advice. She in turn tries to talk to Saharo. Saharo is always busy with Olivine, and won’t answer her IM’s or calls. 4 years later, Kati and Bryce arrive at Dartmouth College. They are still as close as they were at camp. Upon seeing the much more mature Olivine and Saharo, and exchanging pleasant hellos, the two duos part ways. The next day Olivine invites Bryce to come to a party with her and Saharo. Bryce asks if Kati can go, but Olivine says that she wouldn’t fit in. Bryce walks away, and continues to ignore Saharo and Olivine. Kati joins him, and after Saharo and Olivine break up, they both come to them
seeking help. They are both refused it by the friends they thought they were close too. They didn’t realize that they had cut Bryce and Kati in half. Olivine then is caught doing cocaine, and is kicked out of the college. A month later, a story appears on the news of how Olivine was found dead in her parent’s bathtub. Saharo runs sobbing from the dorm rooms and throws himself at the feet of Kati and Bryce. They step on his hands and walk away, holding hands tightly. Bruce pulls out a gun and shoots himself
in the head. A piece of paper falls out of his clutched hand. Kati, sobbing, picks it up. Her and Bryce open it. It reads, “I’m sorry. I’m better now.”

What the Press would say:

With a relatively unknown cast, Director Julian Schnabel works wonders with his emotional and visual masterpiece “Camp Destiny Vermont.” The heart wrenching story of friendship, and the true powers of it, is written, in a way where it can make you laugh one second, and cry the next, by Diablo Cody. She also wrote “Juno.” Newcomer Max Penraat gives a stellar performance as the shy and quiet artist, Bryce, and is worthy of recognition. Eve Perchanok gives the one truly funny character that seems ditzy a heart of gold. She acts as if she has been in the bizz for years. Emma Stone, best known for her role in “Superbad,” breaks out of
her shell, and turns the formerly ditzy girl into a speculative student, reminiscent of Elle Woods. With some of the most beautiful and engaging cinematography in recent years, it is hard to look away from this highly intelligent piece. “Camp Destiny, Vermont” is not only the best picture of the year, but the best in the past few years. “Camp Destiny” is not only visually stunning, it also showcases some of the best rising talent in the business. “Camp Destiny, Vermont” will become a perennial, shared by the generation, and cherished by the Academy.

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Supporting Actor: Max Penraat
Best Supporting Actor: Gideon Olshansky
Best Supporting Actress: Eve Perchanok
Best Supporting Actress: Singha Hon
Best Actor: Ben Foster
Best Actress: Emma Stone
Best Actor: Michael Cera
Best Actress: Lucy Liu
Best Score
Best Cinematography
Best Costumes
Best Makeup
Best Art Direction