The Local Stigmatic (1990)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

David F. Wheeler

Writer:

Heathcote Williams (play) (screenplay)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Two symbiotic sociopaths play obscurely deviant mind games with each other while engaging in perversely brutal acts of violence against victims apparently chosen at random.

Plot Keywords:

Violence | Game | Nihilism | Twisted Behavior | Prank Telephone Call

Cast

Al Pacino	...	Graham
Paul Guilfoyle	...	Ray
Joseph Maher	...	David (as Joe Maher)
Michael Higgins	...	Drunk man
Brian Mallon	...	News Vendor

Runtime:

56 min | 52 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Trivia:

Filmed in 9 days.

Quotes:

Ray: I could drink you under the table!
Graham: Have to be a small table!
Ray: [smiling] You're gettin' very kittenish.

Movie Connections:

References Metropolis (1927)

A Must See Pacino Performance

This short film (less than 60 minutes) of Heathcote Williams' play features a remarkably vibrant and physical performance from Pacino, that ranks with his career best. Filmed in the period where the actor was at a career low point (post-REVOLUTION/pre-SEA OF LOVE), Pacino is mesmerizing as Graham, a celebrity obsessed Cockney sociopath.

Because the film is faithful to the text of the play it can be difficult to watch. The dialogue is so structured and vague that it's easy for the viewer to get lost. However, subsequent viewings reveal the subtext underneath and once the film clicks in your head it becomes a disturbing and unforgettable experience.