Speaking Parts (1989)

A struggling actor's job as a hotel custodian is a front for his real job: being rented out as a gigolo by his supervisor. A co-worker is obsessed with him, but he ignores and avoids her. ... See full summary »

Director:

Atom Egoyan

Writer:

Atom Egoyan

Stars:

Michael McManus, Arsinée Khanjian, Gabrielle Rose

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael McManus	...	Lance
Arsinée Khanjian	...	Lisa
Gabrielle Rose	...	Clara
Tony Nardi	...	Eddy
David Hemblen	...	Producer
Patricia Collins	...	Housekeeper
Gerard Parkes	...	Father
Jacqueline Samuda	...	Bride (as Jackie Samuda)
Peter Krantz	...	Groom
Patrick Tierney	...	Eddy's colleague at video store
Robert Dodds	...	Doctor
Leszek Lis	...	Friend of the Housekeeper
Sharon Corder	...	Hotel Manager (voice)
David MacKay	...	Man at the Party
Teresa Hunt	...	Women at the Party

Storyline

A struggling actor's job as a hotel custodian is a front for his real job: being rented out as a gigolo by his supervisor. A co-worker is obsessed with him, but he ignores and avoids her. He leaves his acting resume in the hotel room of a screenwriter, who is casting for a TV movie based on the true story of her deceased brother. She hires him to play the lead and the two begin an affair. She becomes increasingly distraught as it becomes evident that the movie's producer is changing her story. Egoyan's trademark tangle of bizarre relationships surrounds the protagonists on their way to a mind-blowing conclusion. A hypnotic, fascinating film.

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Plot Keywords:

hotel | co worker | screenwriter | gigolo | actor | 

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Taglines:

Love - Passion - Obsession

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 July 1990 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Rôles parlants

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 350,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Academy Pictures, Ego Film Arts

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

References Videodrome (1983)

User Reviews

A powerful, raw and sensual film.

In all candor, I rented this film because I found out that Michael McMannus was in it, and I respect the man's acting abilities. Suffice it to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Michael's character, Lance, is a young busboy at a hotel who wants desperately to get a speaking part in a movie, instead of background extra roles. Meanwhile, one of his fellow employees is obsessed with him, and she will do practically anything in order to receive his affections. Essentially a psychological drama, the story basically explores what they will and won't do in order to achieve their goals.

Despite it's "vocal" title, the film can be unnervingly quiet at times, however it's never dull. I couldn't help but get wrapped up in the story and entranced by the powerful performances of all the actors. It's a very powerful, raw and sensual film, definitely not for younger viewers, which is typical of Atom Egoyan films. I would highly recommend it. :)

Personally, I also enjoyed it because it was filmed here in Toronto. I found myself laughing and saying, "I know where that is!" ;)