Goodnight Bill (2005)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Directors:

John Mitchell
Jeremy Kipp Walker

Writer:

John Mitchell (writer)

Genre:

Drama | Short

Plot:

When a cynical old man is forced to share his hospital room with a stranger, he discovers through the power of friendship that it's never too late to change your outlook on life. |

Plot Keywords:

Homophobia | Gay Interest

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Michael Marcus	...	Bill
Michael Higgins	...	Terry
Iris Little Thomas	...	Tara
Bill McLaughlin	...	Jack

Runtime:

USA:19 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR (RCA Sound System)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Maida Vale Films

Movie Connections:

Featured in Angel (2005) (TV)

A cute and well made short

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This short was one of a collection entitled "Shorts: Volume 4". The prior collections have all been terrific and are highly recommended for people who love the genre.

The film begins with a grumpy old man (Bill) lying in a hospital bed. When the nurse announces that he's getting a roommate, Bill responds that he doesn't want any and hated all the previous ones. At first, things don't seem so bad for Bill and his new male roommate, Terry. However, when the roommate gets a male visitor and they kiss tenderly, Bill erupts--saying he can't believe that they've given him a gay roommate! He demands, in vain, that the nurse get him out and cranky old Bill just needs to deal with it. Bill deals with it by being grumpy, nasty and hating every second of it. However, later, begrudgingly he and Terry begin to get along and the film ends on a rather surprising note.

The best thing about the film is the acting, though the writing is also superb. Bill in particular, was a great character and playing him must have been a lot of fun. While the message involves gay acceptance, the film doesn't really come off as preachy or sanctimonious. A funny and enjoyable film throughout.