As indie films go, this one has IT. The characters are unique, interesting and full of laughs. Warren Draper was particularly good as the porn producer turn documentarian. Like a shark in the sea, Carl Isenberg (Warren Draper) victimizes his crew in the production of a filmed suicide in order to gain notoriety and fortune. Equally good are the performances of Mark Sherman, who plays Matt Hoffman, and Anthony Contreras as Steve Elsinore. Matt is heroic and somewhat clueless in his efforts to make Gen. X wake up and see the truth by filming his own suicide. Steve, is the nieve childhood friend who is torn between his friendship with Matt, and his dreams of becoming a big time Hollywood director. As dark as this sounds... comedy comes in the form of Production Assistants, Mike (Brian Hienberg), Curtis (Brian Gattas) and Jim Dumas (Jim Sterling). They're sarcasm and lack of motivation bring a lot of great moments to the screen. The idea is fresh and interesting and there's a certain magic between the cast that makes it fun to watch. Be careful, a lot can go wrong when there is GUNPLAY!
3 Reviews
A surprising indie discovery!
utadeer3 March 1999
"Gunplay" is solid proof that independent film can be successful and entertaining without the aid of big-budget special effects and production. This low-budget indie steals the hearts of the audience through the story and the performances. The film is quite shocking in its depiction of angst-ridden Matt Hoffman and his obsessive desire to protest society's conventions through his ultimate sacrifice. Warren Draper is a favorite as Carl, the producer hoping to cash in big through his involvement. Anthony Contreras is likable in his portrayal of the sheepish best friend Steve, and Mark Sherman is appropriately dark as the moody Matt.
Co-writers Steve Emerson and Jim Sterling have provided a strong foundation for the actors with their delightfully sadistic satire, and Sterling takes a turn in front of the camera as (fittingly) "Jim", a lumber-yard worker with dreams of attaining Hollywood stardom. The prosthetics and special-effects are strictly low-tech, but it adds rather than detracts from the film's charm. Also notable is the original score by Kristopher Carter, whose classical-flavored music plays against the bloody on-screen images.
"Gunplay" hopefully will be headed for underground popularity in the midnight slot at film festivals, but it ultimately will serve as a unique calling card for the talented Emerson-Sterling team.
Co-writers Steve Emerson and Jim Sterling have provided a strong foundation for the actors with their delightfully sadistic satire, and Sterling takes a turn in front of the camera as (fittingly) "Jim", a lumber-yard worker with dreams of attaining Hollywood stardom. The prosthetics and special-effects are strictly low-tech, but it adds rather than detracts from the film's charm. Also notable is the original score by Kristopher Carter, whose classical-flavored music plays against the bloody on-screen images.
"Gunplay" hopefully will be headed for underground popularity in the midnight slot at film festivals, but it ultimately will serve as a unique calling card for the talented Emerson-Sterling team.
Smart, original, very funny
killer-2925 March 1999
"Gunplay" shows that you don't need a big studio budget to make a great film. What you need is an original idea, a well-written script, and talented actors. This movie has all three of these elements. It is without a doubt the best indie film I've seen all year. I would not be surprised if this movie develops a serious cult following. Definitely check it out.
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