'Ain't Them Bodies Saints': A Graphic Novel Prologue

In Ain't Them Bodies Saints, the Sundance award-winner that opens in theaters today, Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara play two outlaws whose 1970s crime spree ends with him in jail and her pregnant with their child. Years later, he escapes, intent on reuniting with his family, but not altogether aware of what dangers await him at home. For most of the film, the two lovers are apart, but their scenes together proved so fun and rewarding that writer/director David Lowery wrote what he hoped would be a follow-up short film, a prequel of sorts that captures their Bonnie and Clyde days. ''Casey and Rooney and I talked about it on the set, that we wanted to prolong that experience,'' says Lowery. ''But it never worked out because everyone's schedules are so complex.'' Instead, IFC Films suggested a comic book, and put him in touch with Criterion Collection artist Eric Skillman. Together with comic-book artist Matthew Southworth, they made New Tattoo, a compelling prelude to the events that occur in the film. ''I really loved these characters and I loved getting to spend a little more time with them on the page,'' says Lowery. —Jeff Labrecque