No ‘Quit’ in Young Director

There is nothing like home— filled with stories of our early missteps. Every block and street acts as a reminder about the path we’ve taken to become who we are and sometimes we look around and are not happy at what we see.

That is the engine that drives Director Matthew Bonifacio’s “The Quitter.” The film tells the story of Jonathan, a former baseball prospect, whose ex-girlfriend, Georgie, comes back home with a seven-year-old daughter that is his. After an encounter with Georgie, Jonathan realizes that he must fight to be the father he was afraid to be years ago.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, just like the lead character he plays, Bonifacio says his own aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player inspired the question that sparked the idea for the film “What if a baseball prospect knocked someone up and walked away from an unborn child?”

Well what you get is a story that delves into parenthood and mending torn relationships.

Originally an idea for a play, however, “a lot would evolve,” Bonifacio said. That evolution would end in a screenplay penned by Bill Gullo.

Taking the reigns as star and director in a feature-length film is never easy. Bonifacio said it was “the most difficult thing” he’s ever done, but that as production he went on his confidence would grow as he got into a groove. It also helps to have a carefully assembled cast and crew that are all in.

“We’re very selective in terms of hiring crew,” said Bonifacio. “You just need high synergy on set. A great production assistant with a great attitude is contagious with the crew.”

Bonifacio also gives his cast and crew room to operate that creates a unique set environment—an environment where people are given full permission to fail and succed.

“Of course there are tense and stressful moments,” said Bonifacio. “We’re making a movie at the end of the day, there are worse things going on in the world right now. Lets just have some fun.”

Anyone that has been on a film set or seen a behind-the-scenes featurette understands the importance of good synergy, they also understand the importance of a director’s ability to adapt and grow.

“I want to make every day better than the last,” Bonifacio explained. “Keep on challenging every part of the process to make it as strong as possible.”

This sentiment is prominent in the film. Jonathan wants to make his present better than his past. He wants to be the man that is there for his child and not the one who left a young woman to grow up fast and dessert her dreams.

“She lost her youth because of Jonathan,” the Brooklyn director explained. “A lot of damage was done.”

Damage not that is also inflicted on Luca, Jonathan and Georgie’s daughter, played by Destiny Monet Cruz. Cruz is described as “very bright” by Bonifacio.

The young actress shines in very intense scenes, which not only speaks to Cruz’ immense talent, but Bonifacio’s approach to directing.

“As a director, I do not want to over intellectualize direction,” said Bonifacio. “We created a nice language.”

That language radiates off the screen and is one of the many reasons why it is a film that feels so real and genuine. An experience that makes you reflect back on your own mistakes and want to be a better person.

As for what the director has planned next he just wants to keep “trying keep things different.”