Features: DVD
Gary Wheelan is a successful attorney working on the trial of his life. He has it all; a beautiful and loving wife, a nice house and fancy car. But everything suddenly changes when in the middle of a bad day he vents his frustrations by viciously insulting a telephone operator. Now, this mysterious woman uses her access to his private information to plot and orchestrate Gary's downfall. Step by step, she destroys his identity, finances and reputation until he begins to see the naked truth of his life.
"Darkly comic and suspensful...bound to catch audiences off guard." Austin Chronicle
"An indie sleeper...Dicther's direction is utterly assured." New York Post
"A slick, intelligent psychological thriller." Variety
Editor's Note
Womanizing, gambling hotshot lawyer Gary Whelan (Michael Laurence) finds his life turned upside down after he insults a telephone operator (Jacqueline Kim) in this offbeat black comedy. Deciding to "balance his karmic debt," the operator--calling herself Shiva (the Hindu god of destruction)--uses her security access to strip Wheelan of his money, car, credit cards, wedding ring, even his cell phone. Things get even more dire when she masterminds his break up with his wife (Christa Miller) and even sets him up for murder.Writer/director Jon Dichter adds spiritual resonance to this Hitchcockish indie, employing themes like Christianity, Eastern philosophy and "the cause and effect of the spirit" to add resonance to Wheelan's downfall and possible redemption. Good performances are had from veteran character actor Stephen Tobolowsky as Wheelan's intellectual bookie, and Brion James (Leon from BLADERUNNER) as Vernon, Wheelan's sleazy banker client who has been called up on charges for selling worthless bonds. Effective use of the Dallas, Texas locale lends the film unusual atmosphere and flavor. Best of all, its uplifting spiritual message is delivered in a reasonably acerbic and non-sticky manner.
|
