Storyline
Compton's first feature was the autobiographical Stranded, which she wrote, directed, starred in, self-financed and distributed. Released in 1965, the film shares the cinematic experimentation and stylish, youth-centric rebellion of the French New Wave made even more radical by its progressive portrayals of female independence and sexuality, beatnik culture, and discussions of homosexuality. Stranded follows Raina, a young American woman (played by Compton), traveling through Greece with her American lover (Gary Collins), and her French, gay, best friend (Gian Pietro Calasso). Raina partakes in several love affairs rejecting marriage offers for no other reason than she likes her life the way it is. Made just prior to the arrival of second wave feminism, Compton, as writer-director, never judges her on-screen alter-ego the way similar female characters were frequently punished in other films during this era by stigmatizing female sexuality.
Cast & Crew
JC
Juleen Compton
Raina
Lead
Gary Collins
Bob
GP
Gian Pietro Calasso
Olivier
Alkis Yannakas
Nicos
KG
Ken Gaherity
Jeff
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Juleen Compton's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Stranded is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
