IMDb >
The Art of Pain (2008)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at
blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
blockbuster.com
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Art of Pain (2008) More at IMDbPro »
| Videos (see all 2) |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Tagline:
Great art comes from great pain. morePlot:
A lazy painter learns that great art comes from pain as his life is ruined by a ninja. full summary | full synopsisUser Comments:
No pain - a pleasant surprise! moreProduction Notes from IMDbPro
Status:
Completed | See complete list of 12,000 in-production titles »Comments:
Still subject to some editingStatus Updated:
19 August 2008Note:
Because this project is categorized as being in production, the data is subject to change; some data could be removed completely.Cast
 | Lloyd Kaufman | ... | George Romano |
 | John Turk | ... | McKracken |
 | Mike McNamara | ... | Swank McShiny |
 | Lauren Bishop | ... | Sharon |
 | Leena Kurishingal | ... | Stacey |
 | Joyce Porter | ... | Mary |
 | John LaFlamboy | ... | Marcus |
 | Meiko Taylor | ... | Cindy McSweeny |
| Mindy Youroukos | ... | Betty the Bartender |
| Elliott Fredland | ... | Rex |
| Wesley Chu | ... | Lead ninja |
 | Anders Erickson | ... | Jack |
 | Marshall Bean | ... | Peppito |
| Jake Hames | ... | Charlie |
| Chad Wheeler | ... | Shopkeep |
| Patrick Higgs | ... | Brother Francis |
 | Arvin Jalandoon | ... | Nobu |
| Greg Brookens | ... | Nick |
| Vicky Strei | ... | School Marm |
| Danielle Brothers | ... | Martha Russell |
| Kiel Frieden | ... | Shoved theater patron |
| Dale Chapman | ... | Nick's father |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
USA:130 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 moreSound Mix:
StereoFilming Locations:
Chicago, Illinois, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
The movie theater where The Art of Pain was shot at is the historic Landmark at the Century Mall. The director, Matt Brookens, wrote the screenplay while working there as an usher. "I always wanted to see what would happen if somebody were to fall off that ledge in the middle of the mall," states Brookens. "I finally got to throw someone off in the film!" moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Art of Pain (2008) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Synecdoche, New York | Chicago | The Mysterious Pilot | Kindergarten Cop | Chris & Don. A Love Story |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Comedy section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
As a fan of independent film, I have screened the work of plenty of hopeful young artists, looking for some attention and a chance to make a living at something they love. Just by sheer odds, there are going to be a good number of stinkers in the bunch, but also some genuine surprises. "The Art of Pain" happened to be one of the latter.
Jack is an aspiring illustrator and painter who bides his time in a minimum wage movie theater job with his friend Nick and girlfriend Sharon. The arrival of a new employee, Marcus, creates chaos for everyone, particularly Jack, who Marcus adopts in a twisted attempt at creating his own legacy.
"The Art of Pain" takes its inspiration straight from the world of B-movies. A lot of movies like to ape martial arts and zombie film conventions, but most of them forget to build some character and story in to keep your interest beyond cheap thrills. The story of the slacker artist is also overdone by young filmmakers, but this version brings a new thematic twist with Marcus, an antagonist who is actually seeking to leave his creative mark on the world just like the hero, Jack. The result is a movie that delivers some fun through in its winking nods to genre, but not at the expense of the characters and a building plot.
Not to say "The Art of Pain" is a perfect film. It might benefit from slight trimming and some newbie mistakes stick out for those who watch movies relentlessly. The performances are above average for this kind of low budget film, but some are broad and others are more subtle.
The film is incredibly ambitious in terms of visual design. The opening sequence is a tribute to kung-fu films made to look vintage (a la "Grindhouse"). Marcus seems to ride in out of a 50s biker film, complete with a rear-projection backdrop. There is at least one elaborate visual effects-driven montage, and also a fun little sequence featuring creature illustrations that move among people. Some might be distracted by the variety, and the work isn't always perfect, but it's encouraging to see a first feature that understands the language of film visuals.
But in the world of independent film-making, I believe it all comes back to character and story, and the makers of "The Art of Pain" already have a good understanding of how these things affect audiences. I am eagerly anticipating the follow-up to this one.