The Dark Backward (1991)

Director:

Adam Rifkin

Writer:

Adam Rifkin (writer)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

It's the world inside out.

Plot:

A man pursues stand-up comedy encouraged by his fellow garbage man. Though his friend, who accompanies him on accordion...

Plot Keywords:

Accordion | Freak | Brat Pack | Surrealism | Black Comedy

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Judd Nelson	...	Marty Malt
Bill Paxton	...	Gus
Wayne Newton	...	Jackie Chrome
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	Rosarita
James Caan	...	Doctor Scurvy
Rob Lowe	...	Dirk Delta
King Moody	...	Twinkee Doodle
Claudia Christian	...	Kitty
Danny Dayton	...	Syd
Carrie Lynn	...	Nicolette
Anna Berger	...	Mrs. Malt
Lydell M. Cheshier	...	Dexter
Tom Hodges	...	Marjorie Zipp
Theodocia Goodrich	...	Mrs. Bielfuss
Laurianne Jameson	...	Shirley

Also Known As:

The Man with Three Arms (UK)

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:R | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Backward Films

Quotes:

Rosarita: It's all over between the two of us. I can't love a man with three hands.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Miscellaneous Shit: Behind the Scenes of 'Detroit Rock City' (1999) (V)

Three thumbs up, one from each arm........

Part fable, part nightmare, part black comedy, part cult film, and a whole lot of fun, is how I would describe "The Dark Backward". Way up there on the "strange scale", Wayne Newton, Bill Paxton, Judd Nelson and the rest of a perfect cast project their enthusiasm in every scene. Obviously aimed squarely at the "midnight movie" crowd, it hits a bullseye with the target audience. Mainstream comedy "Wedding Crashers" viewers are warned to avoid at all costs. Highly recommended to admirers of filmmakers who would dare to be different, take risks, and produce a movie looking for a specific audience. Give "The Dark Backward" three thumbs up, one from each arm. - MERK