Dear Robinson Devor, thanks for making a movie based on a Charles Willeford novel. Willeford is one of my favorite writers.
The film has one of the most interesting plots ever for a crime thriller. A crooked, arrogant and vicious car salesman who is really good at his job panics at a meeting of aspiring young reps. He realizes that he is wasting his life in the 9 to 5 grind. It dawns on him that we are on this planet to be creative. So he writes a script with help from his step-father and decides to direct a film. But when his edited film fails to meet the 6 reel 90 minute length standard, the studio tries to interfere in the future of the film. The crazed car salesman/movie director embarks on a rampage of destruction.
I think there is more to this film than a man trying to escape his mundane life. It is also about 20th century man's impulsive behavior without thinking about the consequences. It is also about how we are all basically mad. I mean, I found myself laughing and cheering on some of the actions of the main character. I could totally identify with him. Like Willeford himself said - "I had a hunch that madness was a predominant theme and a normal condition for Americans living in the second half of this century." Your film was visually arresting - full of directorial flourishes characterized by slow motions and weird camera angles and lighting. Visually, it was quite similar to noir films. I loved the way you filmed the scene in the swimming pool.
The film was also pretty true to the book though you did exclude two scenes of violence. You also played with the structure a little bit.
I liked what another IMDb user said about the actors - they did not look like actors. They came across as real people. This is so true. Square jawed Patrick Warburton could walk into a Russ Meyer film. His acting in the ballet dance sequence was terrific.
I hope Criterion or Arrow puts out a Blu Ray of this terrific film.
And I hope you make more films, Robinson Devor.
Best Regards, Pimpin.
(9/10)
The film has one of the most interesting plots ever for a crime thriller. A crooked, arrogant and vicious car salesman who is really good at his job panics at a meeting of aspiring young reps. He realizes that he is wasting his life in the 9 to 5 grind. It dawns on him that we are on this planet to be creative. So he writes a script with help from his step-father and decides to direct a film. But when his edited film fails to meet the 6 reel 90 minute length standard, the studio tries to interfere in the future of the film. The crazed car salesman/movie director embarks on a rampage of destruction.
I think there is more to this film than a man trying to escape his mundane life. It is also about 20th century man's impulsive behavior without thinking about the consequences. It is also about how we are all basically mad. I mean, I found myself laughing and cheering on some of the actions of the main character. I could totally identify with him. Like Willeford himself said - "I had a hunch that madness was a predominant theme and a normal condition for Americans living in the second half of this century." Your film was visually arresting - full of directorial flourishes characterized by slow motions and weird camera angles and lighting. Visually, it was quite similar to noir films. I loved the way you filmed the scene in the swimming pool.
The film was also pretty true to the book though you did exclude two scenes of violence. You also played with the structure a little bit.
I liked what another IMDb user said about the actors - they did not look like actors. They came across as real people. This is so true. Square jawed Patrick Warburton could walk into a Russ Meyer film. His acting in the ballet dance sequence was terrific.
I hope Criterion or Arrow puts out a Blu Ray of this terrific film.
And I hope you make more films, Robinson Devor.
Best Regards, Pimpin.
(9/10)