The Forty-Year-Old Version

About The Forty-Year-Old Version

The Forty-Year-Old Version is a 2020 drama film directed by Radha Blank, who also wrote and starred in the film. The movie tells the story of Radha, a struggling playwright who, at the age of forty, finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Feeling frustrated with her lack of success and artistic compromise, Radha embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention.

The film explores themes of identity, artistic expression, and the challenges faced by artists as they navigate their careers and personal lives. Through Radha's story, the movie touches on topics such as race, gentrification, and the complexities of pursuing one's dreams.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The Forty-Year-Old Version follows Radha as she navigates the challenges of her artistic career. Despite receiving critical acclaim for a past play, Radha struggles to find new opportunities and is forced to compromise her artistic vision to make ends meet. Feeling frustrated with the compromises, she decides to reinvent herself as a rapper and goes by the name RadhaMUSPrime.

As Radha explores her newfound passion for music, she also grapples with personal and professional relationships. She forms a partnership with a young music producer, and together they create a groundbreaking album that slowly gains recognition and success. Throughout the film, Radha confronts issues of race, gentrification, and the authenticity of her artistic voice.

Making / Production

The Forty-Year-Old Version is written and directed by Radha Blank, who drew inspiration from her own experiences as a playwright and artist. The film is shot in black and white, giving it a unique visual style and accentuating the themes of artistic expression and struggle.

The movie was praised for its authentic portrayal of the New York theater and hip-hop scenes, with most of the film's locations being actual theater venues and recording studios in the city. Radha Blank also utilized her background in theater to bring a sense of realism to the film's portrayal of the creative process.

Actors

• Radha Blank as Radha

Radha Blank plays the lead role of Radha, a struggling playwright turned rapper. She delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the frustrations, hopes, and vulnerabilities of her character.

• Oswin Benjamin as D

Oswin Benjamin portrays D, a young music producer who collaborates with Radha on her rap album. He brings a charismatic and supportive energy to the film.

• Peter Kim as Archie

Peter Kim plays Archie, Radha's best friend and fellow playwright. His comedic timing and strong chemistry with Radha Blank add depth to their friendship on screen.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Forty-Year-Old Version is Radha Blank's directorial debut.
• The film received the U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
• Radha Blank drew inspiration from her own experiences as a playwright and rapper for the film's story.
• The movie incorporates elements of rap and spoken word poetry into its narrative and soundtrack.

Awards

The Forty-Year-Old Version won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Do you ever feel like you're living someone else's life?" - Radha
• "Art doesn't have to be within the lines." - Radha
• "I'm done compromising. I'm just getting started." - Radha

Music

The film incorporates various musical elements, including rap and spoken word poetry, to highlight Radha's journey of self-discovery through music. The music in the film serves as an integral part of the storytelling and character development.

Soundtrack

• "Poverty Pornography" by RadhaMUSPrime
• "Level Up" by RadhaMUSPrime
• "Break the Cycle" by RadhaMUSPrime ft. Oswin Benjamin
• "Real Recognize Real" by RadhaMUSPrime