David Krumholtz Stars in Dark Comedy ‘Forelock’ at Austin Festival
Midnight Chimes and the Mise En Scène Company have released new images from the upcoming dark comedy “Forelock,” featuring **David Krumholtz**. The film is set to premiere as an opening night selection at the **Austin Film Festival** on **October 23**. Krumholtz, known for his role in “Oppenheimer,” not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer, marking a significant step into character-driven roles.
In “Forelock,” Krumholtz portrays Randy, a Hollywood grifter who exploits his resemblance to a famous superhero. The film is the directorial debut of **Caleb Alexander Smith**, who also stars as Caiden, a fitness enthusiast with dreams of becoming a trainer. Krumholtz describes his role as a homage to iconic characters played by actors like **Jack Nicholson**, **Al Pacino**, and **Dustin Hoffman**. He likens his experience to a “**Ratso Rizzo** moment,” referencing Hoffman’s portrayal of the downtrodden hustler in the classic film “Midnight Cowboy.”
Exploring the Grit of Los Angeles
The narrative follows Caiden as he navigates the challenges of Los Angeles, where he becomes entangled with Randy. Together, they face a temperamental drug boss and a whimsical cop investigating a celebrity murder. The film’s title, “Forelock,” refers to the signature curl of a well-known superhero, reflecting Smith’s own life experiences as a lookalike when he first arrived in Los Angeles.
Smith emphasizes that the film presents an unflinching view of the city, addressing issues such as the homeless crisis and public disorder. He describes “Forelock” as “somewhere between a love letter to LA and a passionately scrawled breakup note,” highlighting the city’s contradictions. The creative team aimed to capture an authentic snapshot of downtown Hollywood, inspired by how “Midnight Cowboy” illustrated the grit of late 1960s Manhattan.
As an executive producer, Krumholtz acknowledges the challenges of indie filmmaking, particularly in Los Angeles. He remarks, “Making any indie is an uphill battle, but making one on the streets of Los Angeles is particularly thorny.” He notes that the film delivers a dynamic and comedic experience, rooted in the themes of Hollywood desperation.
A Star-Studded Festival Lineup
The **Austin Film Festival**, now in its 32nd year, will showcase “Forelock” alongside notable films like **Chloé Zhao’s** “Hamnet,” **Joachim Trier’s** “Sentimental Value,” and **Park Chan-wook’s** “No Other Choice.” The cinematography is handled by **Roberto Schaefer**, known for his work on “Quantum of Solace” and “Stranger Than Fiction.”
Smith co-founded Midnight Chimes with entrepreneur **Lindsay McCormick**, further solidifying his commitment to indie cinema. Krumholtz is expected to appear in several upcoming projects, including “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” **A24’s** “Altar,” and a role as **Zor-El** in **DC Studios**’ anticipated **2026** release, “Supergirl.” Meanwhile, Smith has credits in popular television series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Modern Family” and is set to recur on **Ryan Murphy’s** new Hulu series “All’s Fair,” which recently achieved a record for the biggest trailer launch on the platform.
As “Forelock” gears up for its festival debut, it promises to deliver a uniquely humorous yet stark portrayal of life in Los Angeles, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew.
