‘Whiplash’ wins over ‘Jamie Marks is Dead,’ movie based on book written by YSU prof

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

“Jamie Marks Is Dead,” a film based on a book written by Christopher Barzak, a Youngstown State University professor, did not win the Sundance Film Festival’s Best U.S. Dramatic Film category.

The movie was among 16 nominated films, losing to “Whiplash,” at Saturday night’s awards ceremony in Park City, Utah.

Sundance is considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the country.

The film received its world premiere at the festival, which began Jan. 16 and ends today.

The movie was also nominated for the Audience Award’s Best U.S. Dramatic Film, also losing to “Whiplash” in that category.

Barzak, who attended the festival, wrote “One for Sorrow,” in 2007. “Jamie Marks,” directed by Carter Smith, is based on the book.

Set in Youngstown and rural Trumbull County, the movie, like the book, follows a troubled teen as he seeks acceptance and friendship in a strange existence between life and death.

The cast includes Cameron Monaghan as Adam, the main character.

Although shot in upstate New York, all place names from Barzak’s book have been left intact.