Watch: David Gordon Green Goes Back to His Roots (Kind Of) in ‘Prince Avalanche’ Trailer

It’s been a rough couple of years for fans of director David Gordon Green. He surprised many with his initial success in the comedy genre via “Pineapple Express,” but quickly fell off the rails with the poorly received medieval stoner-comedy “Your Highness” and Jonah Hill-starring “The Sitter.” But while still veering more towards comedy than the tragedy of some of his earlier work, his upcoming “Prince Avalanche,” does mark a clear step back from his recent studio-driven comedies and if the reception from recent screenings at Sundance, Berlin, and Tribeca are to be believed, a welcome return to form for the director many had feared would never return to his dramatic roots. With a summer release date quickly approaching, Magnolia Pictures has released the film’s first trailer.

The film, itself an adaptation of the Icelandic film “Either Way,” stars Paul Rudd as Alvin, a man who leaves his city home behind for a summer in the country repainting traffic lines along with his girlfriend’s insecure brother Lance (Emile Hirsch). Only announced after its completion, Green aimed for the film to be a blend of his indie roots and more mainstream comedies.

Speaking after the film’s Sundance premiere, IW’s Eric Kohn called the film “a compellingly odd tone that provides a framework for examining Green’s career to date.” Check out his full review here.

Magnolia Pictures will release “Prince Avalanche” theatrically and on VOD August 9th. Watch the trailer below: