Jasper Mall
Promotional release poster
Directed by
  • Bradford Thomason
  • Brett Whitcomb
Distributed byAmazon Prime Video
Release dates
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Jasper Mall is a 2020 American documentary film directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb. It revolves around the Jasper Mall, a dying mall in Jasper, Alabama.[1]

Synopsis

Jasper Mall often revolves around Mike McClelland, a former zookeeper, who serves as the mall's superintendent and works in a security and caretaking role.[2] The mall, which opened in 1981, has recently lost two of its anchors: Kmart and JCPenney.[3] As a result, foot traffic has declined and the parking lot is often barren.[2] The only remaining anchor store is Belk, and one shopper says "If Belk goes, we are in deep woo-woo."[3]

The film also follows the day-to-day operations of the remaining 20 or so store owners with a focus on the slowdown of customers.[2] The mall's frequent visitors, including groups of mall walkers and domino players, are shown frequently.[3] Also chronicled are events hosted by the mall such as a carnival, visits from Santa Claus and an ensemble of singers.[4]

Toward the end of the film, shops that include Subway, Grady's Sandwich Shop, Robin's Nest Flowers & Gifts, and Jewelry Doctor all close or move.[3][5]

Release

Jasper Mall premiered at January 27, 2020, at the Slamdance Film Festival and to the general public on June 23, 2020.[6]

Production

Jasper Mall was co-directed and co-produced by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb. Cinematography was by Whitcomb.[4] The Jasper Mall was chosen as the site of the film because it had not been remodeled since it opened in 1981.[4] The film was shot throughout 2018, and McClelland alerted the directors about any events that were occurring at the mall. Thomason and Whitcomb often sat in the food court and waited for a scene to develop.[4] The soundtrack contains a collection of songs by the musicians HAHA Mart, Chayse Porter, and Baker Knight. The soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette via the Alabama-based independent record label Earth Libraries.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 88%, based on eight reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.[7]

Ethan Brehm of Spoiler Magazine named it the best film of the year.[8]

Awards

The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival and won the Best Alabama Film award at the Sidewalk Film Festival.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Shaer, Brian (February 12, 2020). "Jasper Mall". Film Threat. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Wake, Matt (2020-06-28). "Alabama shopping mall subject of new documentary film". AL.com. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Urbanski, Al (2020-06-30). "'Jasper Mall' presents the last act of a small town mall". Chain Store Age. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Yeager, Andrew (18 August 2020). "A Year In The Life Of A Dying Alabama Mall". WBHM. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  5. ↑ Adrian, Nick (22 July 2020). "Jasper Mall". Cinnecentric. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  6. ↑ Smith, Nicole (2020-06-23). "Documentary on Jasper Mall to be released Tuesday". Daily Mountain Eagle. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  7. ↑ "Jasper Mall (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  8. ↑ Ethan Brehm (February 2021). "Spoiler Magazine's Top 10 Movies of 2020". Spoiler Magazine. p. 199. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Announcing Our 2020 Sidewalk Film Festival at the Drive-In Award Winners!". Sidewalk Film Festival. September 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
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