Neo Ned

Neo Ned is a 2005 American independent romance film starring Jeremy Renner, Gabrielle Union, Sally Kirkland, Cary Elwes, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Ethan Suplee. It was written by Tim Boughn and directed by Van Fischer.

Synopsis
The film stars Jeremy Renner as Ned Nelson, a white power skinhead who ends up in a mental institution where he meets Rachael (Gabrielle Union), a black woman claiming to be the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler. The unlikely couple's hookup leads them down a shocking road to recovery.

Cast

 * Jeremy Renner as Ned Nelson
 * Gabrielle Union as Rachael
 * Sally Kirkland as Shelly Nelson
 * Cary Elwes as Dr. Magnuson
 * Eddie Kaye Thomas as Joey
 * Ethan Suplee as Orderly Johnny
 * Giuseppe Andrews as Josh
 * Steve Railsback as Mr Day
 * Richard Riehle as Officer Roy Pendleton
 * Michael Shamus Wiles as Lou Nelson / Ned's Dad
 * Anthony Morgann as Social Worker

Reception
Mark Olsen gave the film 3.5 out of five in his Los Angeles Times review, where he wrote, "It's a little rough around the edges, to be sure, but with such strong lead performances there is something irresistible in the film's audaciously straight-faced portrayal of such an unlikely relationship." Variety reviewer John Anderson also reviewed the film favorably, writing, "Neo Ned may be ludicrous on paper, but it has what fans of independent film are looking for -- atmosphere, humanity and just a dash of fantastic drama." Film Threat writer Mark Bell gave the film 4.5 out of 5, writing, "Never boring, never pretentious, never preachy, Neo Ned could find its place alongside some of the great independent romance films of all time, if enough people are able to catch a glimpse of it."

The film's treatment of its subject matter and tone was criticized, with Jasmyne Keimig writing that "The disgust over Neo Ned is rightfully deserved. The movie carelessly throws around the n-word and other acts of violence for humor" and L.A. Weekly writer Matthew Duersten stating, "The problem lies in the film's inability to decide whether such loaded images are funny in a Farrelly Brothers/Dave Chapelle [sic] kind of way or if they mean something deeper."

Gabrielle Union expressed dissatisfaction with her performance in this film over Twitter.

Awards
To date, the film has won 10 film awards, out of 10 total nominations.

2005

 * Slamdance Film Festival
 * Best Narrative Feature

2006

 * Ashland Independent Film Festival
 * Best Feature Film
 * Newport Beach Film Festival
 * Outstanding Achievement in Directing, Van Fischer
 * Palm Beach International Film Festival
 * Best Actor, Jeremy Renner
 * Best Actress, Gabrielle Union
 * Best Director, Van Fischer
 * Best Feature


 * San Diego Film Festival


 * Best Screenplay - Tim Boughn
 * Audience Award - Best Narrative Feature
 * Sarasota Film Festival
 * Best Narrative Feature

Film release
After three years of festival screenings (from 2005's Tribeca Film Festival premiere to 2008's Suppository Films Reelblack Festival), the film premiered on Starz on August 19, 2008. It was picked up for distribution by CodeBlack Entertainment, which released the film on DVD on December 2, 2008.