Trees Lounge (1996)

For an actor who made his name in films by style-over-substance directors (Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez), Steve Buscemi presents a surprisingly quiet, no-frills character study for his feature directorial debut, Trees Lounge. Also serving as writer and star, Buscemi tones down his own trademark talkiness in the central role of Tommy, a Long Island barfly and out-of-work mechanic who's spinning his wheels only slightly more noticeably than the other sad small-timers around him. It's a portrait of people living with their mistakes and making do in undersized lives, and it's replete with ambiguous morality, messy resolutions, and provocative moments. Because it also keeps a sense of humor, it's a balanced, vivid work. Buscemi gets natural performances from all of his actors, most notably Chloë Sevigny, in one of her earliest roles. As the 17-year-old niece of Tommy's ex-girlfriend, Sevigny is both the catalyst and casualty of the impotent anger and loneliness that burdens the other characters. A memorable outing, Trees Lounge proves Buscemi to be more than just an actor who "really wants to direct." ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide