Jack Huston's Stunning Directorial Debut In 'Day Of The Fight' - A Gut Wrenching Homage To The Human Fight Within Us All

Thanks to BritsInLa I was fortunate enough to see the movie 'Day Of The Fight' at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica today.

A huge fan of both Huston and Pitt's acting chops from the memorable days of the groundbreaking 'Boardwalk Empire' - I was enthusiastic to accept the invite and bring along two friends, and yes the brilliant Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi is also in the stellar cast.

The movie focuses on one single impassioned day in the life of a former middle-weight champion boxer's come back after ten years of being out of the brutal fight game. We accompany him as he steps back into the ruthless ring, all the while methodically amending his life's choices. The audience personally accompanies Pitt's character as he visits loved ones and the painful regretful chapters of his arduous life.

Pitt, in his usual veracious form, delivers the harrowing punch to the gut. One cannot cease to acknowledge that Pitt maybe one of the most underrated method actors of our generation.

Huston also wrote the fervent script, which in the Q&A he freely admitted he wrote every word for actor Michael Pitt. It was clear to me, Huston never forgot what a rare and unique talent his friend Pitt has always been and clearly still is.

The struggle is real. It's in Pitt's eyes.

Cinematographer Peter Simonite perfectly paints a gritty black and white visual capturing the film's heart, a nod to 1950's noir movies, think On The Waterfront.

Yes, I went there, deservedly so.

Huston had the rare and bold insight to cast acting legend Joe Pesci in an unfamiliar role, the commonly fast talking Pesci, silently powerful in his role, brilliantly illustrates to the audience how to be heard - with words, deeply unspoken.

Ron Perlman reminds us why we want his fierce no bullshit support in life, and empathic character actor John Magaro as the steadfast loyal priest who subtly and precisely made me want to go back to church.

Huston clearly gives his all to the movie, as both writer and director. Admittedly delving into his own personal story. A rare gem, focused on and dissecting the human life experience that many dare not to reveal, admit nor tread.

A nod to classic cinema, my personal favorite all time British director, the legendary Mike Leigh would steadfastly approve. It's real, it's life. Emotional authenticity and endearing love trumps the green screen here.

The Ben MacDiarmid music deserves award winning reviews of its own accord. This soundtrack will be up there with The Mission and The Hours on my repeat playlist.

Even Pesci sings a moving ballad, a truly talented undiscovered (embarrassingly by me) crooner of days gone by, which provides a solid backbone track for the film's journey. MacDiarmid's impassioned music continuously taps into one's own personal forgotten memories and softly guides the audience through each cathartic scene.

During the Q&A, Huston, engaged and honestly answered the audience's questions, he does not dial it in, selflessly and repeatedly crediting supportive renown Producer Colleen Camp who was also in attendance and shared her own loyal journey regarding their masterful collaboration.

Huston, a true British gent is a rare director/writer who is not afraid to put the truth out there.

What a revelation...

An independent movie about a broken boxer left me seriously thinking about making my own personal amends, addressing chapters in one's own journey and what life's choices and relationships essentially mean.

A must see movie and a must FEEL experience.