Success can be measured many ways: by the amount of money made, how much was achieved, or simply that something was finished. The latter is the case for the Overnight success of what is revered now as a cult classic: The Boondock Saints. This documentary about the making of a film that was such a big deal when I was in college was enough to interest me enough to watch it. But soon enough I learned that this was no ordinary behind-the-scenes escapades. The documentary itself seems amaturely made, but the story it tells is worth seeing, especially for the independent filmmaker.
It centers around Bostonian Troy Duffy and the script that got him famous for about 10 minutes. The script, itself was good and that surprised most people because Duffy was a self-proclaimed screwup. So when he got the attention of major Hollywood studio producers, including the Weinstien’s at Miramax, he did a little dance in his overalls. Not only that, but he finally got the recognition he thought he deserved. Some say it even went to his head. At this point, there were no contracts, just buzz about his “hot script.”
Expectations were running high when Troy and his band, The Brood, all moved out to L.A. They moved to involve the band in the soundtrack of the film, play some shows, and get signed. Troy seemed to be less than enthused when the band actually did signed by Maverick Records, only because he claimed to be the reason they were all there in the first place… well because of the script that is. As the cherry on top, Troy and his brother Taylor had serious differences which matter only because Taylor was in the band, and was more musically talented than him.
As for the script, Harvey Weinstien bought it for $300,000 and gave Troy a budget of $15 mil. to produce it. A first time writer/director’s dream come true. So what the heck happened?? Mr. Duffy became a raging egomaniac who thought the world revolved around him. He is the most unpleasant person and it was all caught on tape by his friends Tony Montana and Mark Brian Smith, his personal camera crew to record his elevation to fame. 
Harvey decided not to make the film, recinded his offer and put it up for grabs to other studios. One lesson to learn: if Harvey Weinstien doesn’t want it, no one else will take it, either. Troy didn’t just fall from grace, he took a nosedive. He decided to make the movie anyway, independently with less than half of the budget and therefore needed people to work almost for free. It amazes me that this film was even made at all.
Kurt Loder from MTV wrote this article following the DVD release of The Boondock Saints. If you don’t have time to watch Overnight, which I highly recommend to any and all filmmakers to keep us humble, at least read his scathing review. Regardless of your feelings about The Boondock Saints, it is worth watching Overnight, for nothing if not to see karmic justice.
Let 'Em Riot 