Eating Raoul

(The following is a review I wrote years ago for the original filmfanatix.com. Enjoy.)

My Rating: A-

After having just watched some of the latest I Love the 70’s installments on VH1, I came to the conclusion that the 1970’s were full of perverts. I suppose since this was the era that the video tape came into existence, regular perverts had much more access to porn. This then led to much more sexual exploration (in conjunction with the “free love” movement of the 60’s), thus creating groups of people called “swingers.” Who are swingers, you ask? Well, according to EATING RAOUL, they are regular people like you and me who like to go have orgies in tacky apartment buildings. So what do they have to do with the film? Well, EATING RAOUL takes a comical stab (literally) at this sexual lifestyle, as played by the leading “square” husband and wife team of (get this…) Mr. and Mrs. Bland.

Mr. and Mrs. Bland possess the old fashioned ideals of the 1950’s where everyone pretended that kissing a boy got a girl pregnant. The Bland’s house is even decorated in the retro 1950’s look, with matching twin beds and separating night stand in their boudoir. Mr. Bland is a frumpy, out of work wine connoisseur who is so proper and asexual that you begin to wonder if anyone has ever informed him where babies come from. Mrs. Bland is just as much of a prude, however she is also one hot mama. Throughout the entire film, she seems to want to be raped by every sleeze ball with a gold chain and leisure suit. But raped in a comical way of course! ::: looks around ::: That is, if you consider nearly being raped every 10 minutes funny! Ha… ha?

But seriously, the movie handles everything in a very tongue-in-cheek way. The film is incredibly funny and, even though the entire plot is steeped in sex, it’s actually not meant to be the main focus for the viewer. The satire is the beauty of this film, not the boobies.

So what is the plot? Well, it’s simple. Mr. and Mrs. Bland want to open a resturant. However, they are dead broke. After accidentally stumbling upon a swingers party in their apartment building, Mr. and Mrs. Bland come up with an ingenious idea to obtain the funds they need in order to keep their business dream alive. They take out an ad for dominatrix services.

Now, normal people (if you could say that…) would just simply… go along with the dominatrix service and make money in a good ol’ fashioned honest perverse way. But no. Considering that Mr. and Mrs. Bland are incredibly prudish and probably have yet to see each other nakid, they decide to simply lure the “perverts” (as they call them) into their apartment and then hit them over the head with a frying pan, thus killing them. After they kill them, they take their money (because, as the movie likes to demonstrate, sexually active people are quite wealthy and money and sex go hand-in-hand) and dispose of the bodies with the help of their new friend, Raoul.

This is where I taper off the review and cease in giving away the entire plot. As you can tell by the title, there is more to the film than simply making money off of dead swingers. And I’ll leave it at that. Why? Because I want to pique your interest, damn it! Go rent the film! It’s classic dark humor– right up there with HAROLD & MAUDE. Go see it. If anything, see it for the 2 minute sex shop scene. Incredibly funny. But so is the rest of the film too. So… what are you waiting for? A midget and Great Dane to show up at your door?… (You’ll appreciate that line much more after you see the film… *grin*.)

Grizzly Man

(The following is a review I wrote years ago for the original filmfanatix.com. Enjoy.)

My Rating: A+

Forget penguins. Forget parrots. Who cares about Bob Dylan. The BEST documentary of 2005– and perhaps of all time — belongs to Werner Herzog’s GRIZZLY MAN, beeeeeeeeeotches!

Last night I watched the film in its entirety on the Discovery Channel. At first I was hesitant because I thought it would be one of those lame documentaries with the dull voiceover and just shots of bears copulating. Not so. After I saw the beginning credits and took note that one of my favourite directors, Werner Herzog, directed it, I knew it was going to be a memorable film.

GRIZZLY MAN is a documentary about a documentary, if that makes any sense. In short, a man by the name of Timothy Treadwell took it upon himself to become the lord and savior of the grizzly bear kingdom. At first, Werner paints a picture of Timothy that appears a bit innocent and naive. A man wants to spend months at a grizzly bear sanctuary in Alaska in order to help protect them from poachers? Wow! What a saint! Surely this guy must be the most caring and selfless person to have ever lived.

Well, that’s what people notice on a superficial level. Treadwell’s personality is a bit “odd” for lack of a better word, but all his “I love you’s” and mini-rants on animal rights to his camera made me start to second guess Treadmwell’s motives.

You see, Treadwell lived unarmed on and off for 13 years with these bears. He would tape 100’s of hours of footage of himself talking to the bears and even touching them at close range. He boasted of how he even went to elementary schools and imparted his “information” for free to students. He attempted to show the viewer that the animal kingdom paralleled humanity and that if we try really hard, we can communicate with them and live with them in peace and harmony!

Okay. The guy was a flippin’ nutjob.

Don’t get me wrong– I love animals. I am a huge advocate for animals, as well as all sentient beings. However, I am also not retarded. I know that:

• Grizzly bears are dangerous, especially when food supply is low
• Interfering in mother nature’s plan is dangerous and selfish
• You cannot and should not protect wildlife by LIVING THERE WITH THEM SO THEY BECOME TOLERANT OF HUMANS, therefore risking the rate of death by poachers

You know what else I know? I know that anyone who shows so much disdain for human life like Treadwell and purposely goes into seclusion each year has issues. A good percentage of Treadwells’ footage– especially the latter parts of it– depicted a man who was disgusted with humanity and obviously outcast due to his “quirky” ways.

My theory of why Treadwell hates humanity? He is in denial about something. If you watch the film, within 5 minutes you will realize, as I did, that Treadwell’s motives for living with the grizzlies were selfish. He was merely trying to deny his (*** big Dr. Phil moment coming up in 3… 2… ) latent homosexuality. Don’t believe me? Watch how he goes on a 10 minute rant of how he is not gay and loves women. It was almost as a encrypted confession to the camera, which acted as the therapist. I’ve met many latent homosexual men who’ve given the same speech. Did I mention Treadwell admitted to being an alcoholic for the majority of his life? Another way of avoiding his nature and being in denial. But I suppose this is turning into more of a psychological profile than film review, so I digress. But at least Joe Rogan agrees with me….

One last thing to note about the film: Treadwell dies. No, this isn’t a spoiler, for they list the date of his death within the first few minutes of the film. Treadwell and his “girlfriend” Amy, are actually eaten by a bear. Big surprise? Not really. In a way, after viewing most of the footage, you can’;t help but realize Treadwell was on a semi-suicidal mission and he knew it. It’s almost as if he was hoping to become one with the bears and embraced the idea of dying at their hands– er, paws. It’s a very sad and frightening way to die, but as Treadwell informed all his friends, it’;s the only way he’d want to go.

This film was simply psychologically stunning. I really enjoyed the way Herzog edited the footage together and beautifully narrated the story. He did not portray Treadwell as a hero nor a foe, but rather a man who was on a mission of self-discovery maksed by an environmental cause. I really love this flim. I want to rent it and watch it again– it was that enjoyable.

Halloween (1978)

(The following is a review I wrote years ago for the original filmfanatix.com. It’s really bad, but I’m too lazy to rewrite it. So whaaa whaaaaa! Enjoy.)

My Rating: A+

It’s no secret that I worship John Carpenter. The man is a brilliant director, writer, and composer (I won’t go as far as to say actor, though….), so it was no surprise that I had to write my first Film Fanatix! review about this masterpiece. To me and many others, John Carpenter is the true Master of Horror films. (Note: I actaully become quite peeved when people refer to Wes Craven as The Master of Horror, because I perceive his films as more exploitative than “scary”, but I won’t go there just now. Just go watch LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and I’m sure you’ll become a believer as well.)

For those of you who do not know anything about HALLOWEEN, I highly suggest you go out now to your local video store and rent it. In my humble opinion, it is the best slasher film ever. Even though it can’t boast being the “first” true slasher film (PSYCHO was), it was the first slasher film to inspire many others from the early 1980’s and on. As a matter of fact, SCREAM, which Wes Craven directed, was a homage to HALLOWEEN. (Hmmm… haven’t seen anyone want to make a tribute film to THE WISHMASTER lately….)

There are many factors which make HALLOWEEN’s simplistic storyline terrifying. First of all, the theme music is absolutely chilling. Without John Carpenter’s infamous theme, the film would not have the same effect. The hair on the back of my neck still jumps up every time I hear those first few notes: Doo do do doo do do doo! (Okay, it was more effective when the link to the .wav file actually worked….)

Second, the storyline encompasses somewhat believable situations: A young girl has to babysit on Halloween night… A crazed mental patient has just escaped from the State Sanitarium and is roaming the streets… mix the two together and you’ve got yourself a mighty scary, realistic problem. Throw in the fact that his therapist (played by the great Donald Plesance) is running around, trying to convince police that his patient is evil incarnate, takes the film up another level.

Lastly, the mask makes everything even more creepy. Practically every HALLOWEEN fan knows that Michael Myer’s trademark expressionless mask is actually an old William Shatner mask spray painted white. What this says about William Shatner’s approchability factor is up for debate. Regardless if you find Shatner’s face horrifying or not, if the producers had gone with the clown mask they had originally intended, rather than the Shatner mask, the film may not have been as effective in terms of creepiness.

Also, don’t forget that this was one of the first “indie” films (made on a shoestring budget of about $40,000) to become a high-grossing mainstream film. Before the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT made it big, HALLOWEEN was one of the first films to pull off such a feat. So, give your respect to The Master of Horror Mr. John Carpenter, and go home and watch this immortal film once again.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

(The following is a review I wrote years ago for the original filmfanatix.com.  Enjoy.)

My Rating: A

I haven’t laughed this hard at a film in a long time.

Correction:  I haven’t laughed this hard at a comedy film in a long time.

Most comedies (or, American comedies, I should say) usually leave me feeling so-so.  Occasionally I’ll run across a brilliant mainstream comedy such as THIS IS SPINAL TAP or MURDER BY DEATH, but as you can surmise by the titles, these films were out long, long ago.  Very rarely does the typical Ben Stiller film make me crack up.  Sure, I may let out a chuckle here and there, but the laughter quotient usually consists of 10% of the film.  And normally that 10% has already been seen during the trailers and commericals.

Therefore, I was a bit hesitant in renting ANCHORMAN.  I was very disappointed with ELF even though I’m a Will Ferrell and “Frat Pack” fan.  But, since I heard good things about the movie from people whose taste in cinema I trust, I decided to break down and rent it.  And I am so incredibly happy I did.

ANCHORMAN is basically a love story confused by 1970′;s sexism.  Ron Burgandy (Will Ferrell) is the much beloved anchorman of San Diego.  Ron’s news teams consists of his best male buddies who are just as weird and whacky as him.  It’s basically a boy’s club at the news station, and women are only meant to have around for a quick romp in the hay or, as they would say, “afternoon delight.”  Therefore, when Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) comes on board to the team and ends up taking Ron’s position, chaos ensues.  Ron is torn between being “a man” and being a lover, while Veronica is confused as to why there should be any confusion at all.  It’s all about egos and loyalties.  The ending may be a bit campy, but the WEST SIDE STORY inspired news anchor rumble more than makes up for it….

In terms of DVD extras, this film won’t let you down.  The bloopers and deleted scenes are absolutely hilarious, and audio commentary is just hysterical.  It took me quite a long time to get through all of the extra goodies, and I assure you that you will be singing “Afternoon Delight” and stuffing bananas in your mouth after watching the special music video.  However, if all this dosen’t convince you, rent this film to see Steve Carrell as the dumb yet loveable Brick Tamland.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

The Fog (2005)

(The following is a review I wrote years ago for the original filmfanatix.com. Enjoy.)

My Rating: F- … oh, just give it a “Z“.

I couldn’t even place this film under the guise of a “horror” flick. I even checked imdb.com to see what they categorized it as primarily, and the main genre came up as “Action.” Yes. That’s just how bad this film is. I mean, this is supposed to be a remake of a classic horror film, yet ended up becoming an action film. I would rest my case there, but I need to make sure no one ever pays money again to see this film.

Here’s the abridged version: THE FOG (2005) is horrible. THE FOG (2005) makes no sense. THE FOG (2005) takes decent actors (ie. Selma Blair) and embarrasses them by having them work on a film with no real plot. THE FOG (2005) owes me 100 minutes of my life back. (I’d also say $6.50, but we snuck in. But I think it should act as compensatory pay.)

I don’t know how the target was missed so far for a film. I would try to explain the plot to you, but honestly, I don’t think there was one. Okay… lemme think… there was a ghost ship… and it popped in every once in a while and tried to kill people for no apparent reason. Ummm… there were like “cursed objects” lying about the beach/lighthouse where this all took place, and some of them would spontaneously combust. Uhh… Tom Welling’s character was a womanizer… maybe that’s why the ghost pirates were pissed off? Oh– and somehow you can make a living as a DJ like Stevie Wanye if you own a lighthouse and a nice CD collection. Also, apparently if you are said DJ, you can crash your car off a cliff into the ocean and survive without much trouble whatsoever.

Ummm… I think that’s it. Seriously. I don’t know what else to say. Oh, and the ending? You may want to skip out before that happens. The illogical premise of the “surprise” ending may make you want to run through the theater and shake people and scream, “I DON’T GET IT!!!”… that is, of course, unless they are doing it to you first.

I recall reading an interview with John Carpenter not too long ago in which he stated he really had “nothing to do with the film”, and he just “;showed up on set.” Good save there, J.C. I would be embarrassed too if I sold out. Let’s just hope he dosen’t approve a remake of HALLOWEEN**, or I may have to stage a protest of sorts. One with violent pirate ghosts. Yeah… cuz that makes sense.

** ETA: Oh, the irony of that statement. Actually, I quite enjoyed Rob Zombie’s remake that came out a couple years later, FYI.

Confusions of an Unmarried Couple

Normally when I watch one of those half-hour sitcoms that revolve around love and sex, I become aggravated. That 9PM time slot never really allows the characters to act like regular, duke-’em-out couples on the verge of a meltdown. We never really hear the truth behind their poor choices and actions, and their arguments are suspiciously kind and petty. All the camera allows us to see are slap-happy couples who magically resolve their issues before the last Swiffer endorsement needs to air before closing credits.

But this superficial world of kiss-and-make-up doesn’t end at the TV, my dear friends. No. Take a walk down to your local blockbuster cinema and watch one of those wonderful romantic-comedies that are playing. Sure, the film is about 3 times as long as compared to a sit-com, but all that extra hour translates to is more superficial drivel. It seems that anywhere you go, you just cannot watch a TV show or film that can properly develop a real romantic relationship and make you laugh at the same time.

That is, until now.

Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a hilarious and authentic look into the ups and downs of a couple wondering whether or not they can’t stand each other, let alone themselves. While watching it I couldn’t help but compare it to a happy hybrid of High Fidelity meets The Office. The film is hilarious, yet steeped in such subtle wisdom, that it becomes a refreshing take on such an age-old story. It is the first film I’ve watched in a very long time where the script and the actors create a such a real, winning combination.

Our story starts off with a video camera shoved into the face our leading character Dan (Brett Butler, who is also the writer and one of the directors). He is obviously quite depressed and not the least bit interested in helping out his brother with his documentary project. It appears that Dan is still extremely upset over his breakup with his girlfriend Lisa (who, we find out later, was actually his fiance for… like… a day!). By the way… this breakup happend about 6 months ago!

Overcome with so many thoughts and emotions over the long-ago breakup, Dan decides that he will subtly maneuver his way over to Lisa’s house. He takes with him a list of personal items that he needs to collect, which are obviously just being used as excuses so he can see Lisa one last time. The audience knows from his confessions on camera that he still has some unanswered questions and is looking for some closure… closure, which he hopes, will result in getting the couple back together.

However, as soon as Dan walks into the apartment undetected, we hear Lisa singing a song about Dan that, well… let’s just say I was laughing so hard at the lyrics and the timing that I felt bad for poor ol’ Dan. It is plain to see that Dan isn’t the only one still torn apart by this breakup that happened months ago.

The story continues to be told in a series of documentary-style interviews and narrated flashbacks. As we learn more and more about what caused the relationship to fall apart from Lisa and Dan’s point of view (here’s a hint: Lisa is bisexual!), we are also taken back to present-time where Dan is still rummaging through Lisa’s apartment– and she is none-too-happy about it! When Lisa finally discovers Dan, the encounter finally forces the two to go head-to-head in verbal and emotional combat. At times the argument is hysterical and immature, while at others it is downright heart-breaking and poignant.

Brett Butler (Dan) delivers some hilarious one-liners throughout the film that leaves the audience feeling a bit guilty for laughing so much. He delivers such a genuine and outstanding performance that I wondered throughout the film, “Are he and Naomi Johnson (Lisa) a couple in real life?”

As for Naomi, she nails the role. She is able to extract and spew back the truth in such a way that you almost feel bad for Dan. I also love the fact that the script details the female perspective so well, considering that Brett was the only (male) writer listed on the credits.

On that note, there are no other actors in the film! This surprised me, but in a very good way. I found this to be amazing, because during the entire 73 minutes, I never even noticed– nor desired– that another body turn up on the set. The script and acting flowed so perfectly together that it created a very quaint and intimate setting for the audience to enjoy. Also, the actors created such a vision of past-retellings in my head, that I could have sworn I saw the past played out right in front of me. I had to double check to make sure I really did see only two actors throughout the entire length of the film!

Another great component of this film is its music. Ryan Noel creates a delicious original score that perfectly compliments the characters and their plight. I adore the opening theme song, for Noel’s voice and gutiar playing reminds me of one of my favorite indie bands, The Autumn Defense.

So you may be asking yourself, “Well, how does the film end? Do they get back together? Do they stay apart? What?” Well, dear reader, that’s something you will just have to see for yourself! Let’s just say the last few seconds summarized the the entire film perfectly, and will leave you howling with laughter.

In short, Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a hysterical and thought-provoking look into the typical dysfunctional relationship, and makes us realize that the word “dysfunctional” is actually quite redundant! Whether you are 18 or 80, the raw feelings and insights from Dan and Lisa are what most of us have felt with our partner at one time or another. Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a must see film and I highly recommend that you check out the trailer, see the film, and add the film’s myspace to your friend’s list right now!:

http://www.myspace.com/confusionsunmarriedcouple

Buy CoaUC right here, right now!!!!!!!

Interview: Filmmaker Richard Gonzales

Have you ever watched a short film on the Internet that was just so funny and original, that you wondered to yourself, “Why isn’t this person who created this famous yet?” Well, I had such an experience a few weeks ago.

I entered a video contest on YouTube for TaxCut Online, and as I was browsing my “competitors” (who really weren’t my competitors because my video sucked peanut butter), I stumbled upon a video called UNTERHOSEN’S SUPER SWEET REFUND. When I watched this contest entry, I was literally “ROTF’ing.” I could tell that whomever made this video had talent and was obviously involved in the film industry or, if not, should be.

After exchanging a few messages, I found out that my instincts were spot on: the man who directed this film was, in fact, a genuine filmmaker! I was so excited and pleased by this discovery, that I started to watch even more of his films as well as talk to him a little more. I found out that his name was Richard Gonzales and that he actually had a pretty impressive film making resume’! I knew that I just had to interview him for filmfanatix.com, and so here it is! (albeit literally 3 weeks late… my apologies once again, Richard!):

——————————
dASH: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Richard, I really appreciate it.

RG: My pleasure!

dASH: Okay, so let’s being. The first question on my mind after having watched your TaxCut Online SUPER SWEET REFUND video, was, how did you get into film making, and why?

RG: I suppose like with most people in the industry, it goes back to my love of film and television as a child. My dad was so funny and talented and had a huge influence on me and my comedy growing up. I used to watch Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, Marx Bros., Jerry Lewis– all the greats. I also loved Mel Brooks movies so that really turned me onto comedy in film. Then one Saturday afternoon I went to the movies. The lights went down, the music came up and THE GODFATHER began. I knew that’s what wanted to do.

dASH: Definitely. Speaking of such a great dramatic film, do you have any other more “serious” filmmakers that you admire?

RG: Oh, without a doubt I love Coppola, Brando, Pacino, Duvall, and Caan.

dASH: So these guys inspired you to want to direct then?

RG: Actually, at first, I wanted to be an actor, but I also knew that directing or something along those lines would be exciting for me as well. That summer I attend my local college’s teenage drama workshop. I directed a scene from a Marx Bros. movie and had the chance to act. It was then that I knew I had to be in show business no matter what. When I began high school, I joined the film club, play production, speech club and even went so far as making a super 8 film called THE ROBBER.

dASH: Very cool! What was THE ROBBER about?

RG: It was sort of a “Chaplin meets Keystone Cop” kinda flick.

dASH: Haha! I can just imagine! Sounds like a lot of fun.

RG: It was. I also did a few commercial spoofs, a horror spoof, and a sequel to THE ROBBER called THE KOPPER. I won several drama and speech awards and directed my fellow high school students in Woody Allen’s play GOD.

dASH: Wow, so you had a very lucrative film beginning even before you graduated high school!

RG: Yes, I was very fortunate. After high school I began an acting career having several bit parts in the 1980s on GENERAL HOSPITAL, DIFF’RENT STROKES, SILVER SPOONS, SPENCER, THE NEW LOVE AMERICAN STYLE, WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW, STINGRAY, FREE RIDE, LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, and I think that’s about it!

dASH: Wow! I used to watch nearly all those shows growing up! Now I need to go back and search for you!

RG: *laughs* Good luck finding me! It’ll be like finding Waldo! But anyway, when acting in small parts wasn’t paying the bills anymore, I began to work behind the camera working as a PA and a NON union Assistant Director. I worked 440 days and join the DGA as a Key 2nd Assistant Director. I then began to experiment shooting short films, this time on video. I have always wanted to make folks laugh.

dASH: Yes, you are very good at it too! I remember the first time watching your work I was really impressed with your comedy styling.

RG: Thank you. My love for comedy even got my kids interested in my work. They started to ask to watch my short films that I made in high school. Since they showed such interest and talent, we started to work together. That’s how my films IDIOTS and MYSTERY MAN (best family film TULIPANES FILM FEST 2004) got their start.

dASH: That’s amazing. It’s so wonderful to have your entire family supporting you and enjoying the film making process like that.

RG: Yes, I feel very fortunate. The best was when one day the wife and I came home to the kids chasing each other around in their underwear saying something (what little they know) in German. They wanted to create a underwear super hero and villain.

dASH: *laughs* So let me guess: CAPT UNDERGARMENTS and THE MASKED UNTERHOSEN were born?

RG: Yes!

dASH: Your kids inspired my two favorite characters! That is so cool!

RG: My wife and I thought it was the best thing ever as well. However, we knew nothing about CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS until we hit the internet and film festivals.

dASH: Well, now you do, so I hope we’ll be seeing more of them!

RG: Definitely.

dASH: So, judging by your current body of work, would you say that you prefer to stick to the comedy genre?

RG: For now, yes. I love to laugh and we all need to laugh more than ever. Comedies are just as important as social dramas. Actually, they might even be more important considering that not all problems can be solved. So we need to laugh to clear the mind to find solutions.

dASH: I agree with your philosophy totally. Aside from the people you’ve previously listed, do you have anymore influences in terms of film and comedy?

RG: I would have to say: Preston Sturges, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Martin & Lewis, The 3 Stooges.

dASH: Yes, I was going to say before, you have a lot of Stooge influence in your work! I adore the Stooges!

RG: Yeah, no slapstick film is great without the Moe eye poke!

dASH: *laughs* What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on and why?

RG: In terms of directing, I would have to contend that MY WALLET was the most difficult. Trying to keep the action moving in time with the story is very tricky. In terms of Assistant Directing, my work on the American version of the television show THE OFFICE takes the prize for that. Having to deal with all the different personalities, making sure they are taken care of, coming to set and happy so the performances don’t suffer– that takes a lot of energy!

dASH: I could imagine so. But working with Steve Carrell? *sigh* I’d do it for free!

RG: *laughs* I’ll make sure to tell his wife that for you!

dASH: *giggle* So what is your ambition, short term and long term?

RG: Simply to keep doing what I’m doing: write scripts and direct… hopefully the next great comedy!

dASH: I’m sure you will! So, are there any books that you have read that you would like to make into a movie?

RG: Books? No. But I have always wanted to tell the Marx Bros. story. Or even a story about the beginning of American comedy.

dASH: That would be really interesting. I hope you *do* do that!

RG: Me too!

dASH: Have you ever been inspired to make a movie after meeting a person, or write a film about him or her?

RG: No, not yet. But maybe you can tell me about *your* life! Those hats you wear have some kind story, right? *laughs*

dASH: No one reading this interview is going to understand that references, and we’re going to keep it that way!

RG: *laughs* Gotcha!

dASH: Moving on… *laughs* What are the best and worst things that could happen to you in terms of your film making career?

RG: The best: “…and the Oscar goes to….” And as for the worst… well… I never want to think about the worst. Show business is tough enough. Dreams are shattered every day.

dASH: Very true. It’s great that you can stay so positive.

RG: You just have to remember what’s important in life and never give up on your dream. Just do what you love and things will work out for the best.

dASH: Okay, speaking of doing what you love, how about this: if there was no prospect of money in this, would you still do it, sort of ‘for art’s sake’?

RG: I’m working that way now actually! *laughs* If I could at least finance the short films and work as an AD I would be very happy– no complaints.

dASH: How about the work itself? Do you ever have working days when you *know* things are going to fall into place and everything goes right?

RG: So far all the days have fallen into place career wise. I just bought an old house and that’s just falling apart!

dASH: Oh no! Maybe you could do a film on that: renovating your house! I see lots of slapstick potential there!

RG: Only if I can hire nonunion actors as carpenters and pay them in sandwiches!

dASH: I’ll do it for roast beef. I’m cheap work.

RG: *laughs*

dASH: But just remember: you get what you pay for!

RG: On second thought….

dASH: So if I were to work on the set of one of your films, how would you motivate me?

RG: Just by producing great work that we all can be proud of and keep the jokes a’flyin’!

dASH: Sounds like a great method to me! Okay, so our interview is coming to a close, but I have one last question I’m dying to ask you: if you had been able to take part in the making of one movie, what would it have been?

RG: Wow… save the best for last, eh? There are so many choices. *sigh* I would have to say either: THE KID, DUCK SOUP, CITIZEN KANE, A & C MEET FRANKENSTEIN, SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, NUTTY PROFESSOR, SOME LIKE IT HOT, EASY RIDER, BLAZING SADDLES, THE GODFATHER, JAWS–

dASH: So, basically every really cool movie made within the last few decades?

RG: *laughs* You know I can’t pick one! I’m sorry, but there’s just too many. But I hope I see CAPT UNDERGARMENTS: THE MOVIE one day at least.

dASH: Me too! Will you give me free tickets to the screening?

RG: Free tickets, why, you’ll be working on the film!

dASH: Yay!

RG: … As my trusty nonunion actor-turned-carpenter!

dASH: Boo!

RG: *laughs* Just kidding. Sure I will.

dASH: Thanks. And thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. I, and your now future fans, really appreciate it!

RG: No problem, my pleasure.
——————————

And so ends the interview! Below I am listing a few links which you all need to check out. They include links to contests Richard is currently entered in which you need to go vote on, as well as places where you can talk with him and watch his work!

Richard Gonzales Websites

1. Myspace: CAPT UNDERGARMENTS

2. YouTube: DriftWood14

Girl With Gun

All I can say is, why hasn’t this film been opted for a television series yet? I want more!

GIRL WITH GUN stars the gorgeous Tracy O’Connor as Gwen Hunter. In this short film by Russ Emanuel, Gwen (AKA in the crime fighting underworld as “The Nightingale”) is a female assassin on the side of good. She a woman trying to balance two very different lives: one as a teddy bear-loving sweetheart, and the other as the protector of innocence and justice.

In the beginning of the short, we can see that The Nightingale is not someone to be messed with. She is feared by the criminals and the like throughout the city. After we see Gwen kick some major butt by mercilessly defeating a drug dealer, we are taken into her other, more “normal” life. We see Gwen chatting it up with her best friend Mitzi and pondering her own relationship status with her on-and-off boyfriend Dan.

Just as she tries to decide to settle down more with Dan over some Thai lunch, Gwen gets word of some evil afoot. She randomly excuses herself from the table, leaving Dan to wonder “What is wrong with my girlfriend?”

A fight takes place outside of the restaurant in the alley between The Nightengale and her arch-nemesis “Ninja Girl.” The fight scene is extremely well done. Emanuel does a superb job directing the choreography, and perfectly peppers it with very humors cut scenes back to Dan sitting in the restaurant.

After the fight, we see that Gwen is very torn; can she keep her identity as The Nightingale secret from everyone much longer? Is her relationship with Dan ever going to last due to her super hero alter ego? Within this 14 minute short, once the credits start rolling, you want to see more. You already care about the characters and look forward to future episodes/full feature length film.

All in all Russ Emanuel did a superb job with the film. He elicits the best performance out of his actors, and with the soundtrack by Neil Argo, this film is a must see. Also, the original song “Fallen” by Jenni Alpert is mesmerizing and compliments the theme of the film very well.

So what are you waiting for? Go to [click here] right now and check out GIRL WITH GUN along with his other films! Trust me– you won’t be disappointed!

QuikFlix #1: After Midnight

This is one of 3 film vlogs I did a couple years ago for the filmfanatix.com site. I thought I’d post it back up here just for the heck of it. It’s a really crazy, fast-paced summary of the cheesy 80’s horror film AFTER MIDNIGHT. I’m not sure what’s more annoying: the film, or my voice.

**WARNING: This Video Review contains spoilers!**

QuikFlix #2: Halloween 4 (The Revenge of Michael Myers)

This is one of 3 film vlogs I did a couple years ago for the filmfanatix.com site. I thought I’d post it back up here just for the heck of it.  It’s a really crazy, fast-paced summary of one of my favorite film franchises: HALLOWEEN 4. Who knows… perhaps I’ll do some more one day… if you’re (un)lucky.

**WARNING: This Video Review contains spoilers!**

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