Floundering (1994)

In this scathing and subversive social comedy, life in post riot Los Angeles is dissected under the sardonic eye of John Boyz, an unemployed thirty nothing flounderer on Venice Beach who is... See full summary »

Director:

Peter McCarthy

Writers:

Jo Harvey Allen (additional dialogue), John Cusack (additional dialogue),

Stars:

James Le Gros, Shaka, Zander Schloss

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Le Gros	...	John (as James LeGros)
Shaka	...	Shaman
Zander Schloss	...	Catatonic Man
John Cusack	...	JC
Nina Siemaszko	...	Gal
Jeremy Piven	...	Guy
Dolores Deluce	...	Breadstore Clerk (as Dolores Delucé)
Eddie Baytos	...	Paper Thief
Maritza Rivera	...	Elle
Yolanda García	...	Yolanda (as Yolanda Garcia)
Ángel García	...	Pepe (as Angel Garcia)
Tom Cortese	...	Drug Dealer
Therman Statom	...	Drug Buyer
Margaret McNally	...	Westsider
Anna Wacks	...	Westside Kid

Storyline

In this scathing and subversive social comedy, life in post riot Los Angeles is dissected under the sardonic eye of John Boyz, an unemployed thirty nothing flounderer on Venice Beach who is trying to figure out what to do with his life. John can't be bothered with apathy, but no matter how much he wants to help people, he is too immobilized to do anything useful. Haunted by chronic insomnia and impending sense of doom, all he can do is watch, and John is an avid observer. Through his voyeuristic binoculars, he struggles to make sense of all the alienation and disaffection he sees in his neighborhood. In his journal he meticulously chronicles the mundane down to steadfast march of ants across his kitchen counter. John is desperately trying to keep one meaningless day from blending into next. He compulsively watches homemade videos of LA riots looking for a clue. But everywhere around him the city's social fabric is coming apart at the seams, and now it is John Boys's own threadbare ...

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Plot Keywords:

los angeles california | venice california | independent film

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, sexuality and drug use, and for some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Haltlos

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Front Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

John: I guess I feel humanism is a form of spirituality. I never fucked anyone over, except myself. That's pretty moral.

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Soundtracks

"Finga Pan Me Trigga"
Performed by B.B. Roy
Music by Jumpin' Jack & 50/50 Records
Lyrics by B.B. Roy
(c) & (p) Best Songs in the Universe, 1992

User Reviews

Worth watching , rare find

This is a little movie with big things to say. There are some genuinely funny, thought provoking, and disturbing moments in this film. I was surprised to see it rated so low. Certainly not intended to be an academy award candidate nonetheless this film shines in its own way. Floundering takes you on a strange and comical trip that at times poignantly illuminates the absurd realities of modern life. This film takes on many issues through the "floundering" character of Le Gros; recycling, violence,sexuality, drug abuse, wealth disparity, family loss,mental health, and human fraternity to name a few. Look for some great cameos from the likes of Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, and Kim Wayans.