The Dark Backward (1991)

A man pursues stand-up comedy encouraged by his fellow garbage man. Though his friend, who accompanies him on accordion, continues to tell him how great he is, he actually stinks. When the ... See full summary »

Director:

Adam Rifkin

Writer:

Adam Rifkin

Stars:

Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judd Nelson	...	Marty Malt
Bill Paxton	...	Gus
Wayne Newton	...	Jackie Chrome
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	Rosarita
James Caan	...	Doctor Scurvy
Rob Lowe	...	Dirk Delta
King Moody	...	Twinkee Doodle
Claudia Christian	...	Kitty
Danny Dayton	...	Syd
Carrie Lynn	...	Nicolette
Anna Berger	...	Mrs. Malt
Lydell M. Cheshier	...	Dexter
Tom Hodges	...	Marjorie Zipp
Theodocia Goodrich	...	Mrs. Bielfuss
Laurianne Jameson	...	Shirley

Storyline

A man pursues stand-up comedy encouraged by his fellow garbage man. Though his friend, who accompanies him on accordion, continues to tell him how great he is, he actually stinks. When the "comedian" grows a third arm out of his back, the friend uses this twist to get him signed up with a sleazy talent agent, and it begins to look like his career is on the move, even though his girlfriend has left him.

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Plot Keywords:

stand up comedian | talent agent | best friend | garbage collector | friendship | 

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Taglines:

It's the world inside out.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief scenes of bizarre, comic sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Adam Rifkin wrote the screenplay when he was nineteen-years-old.

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Quotes

Gus: I will laugh SO hard, my stomach will burst open and spray bile all over the stage!

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Connections

Referenced in Miscellaneous Shit: Behind the Scenes of 'Detroit Rock City' (1999)

User Reviews

Three thumbs up, one from each arm........

Part fable, part nightmare, part black comedy, part cult film, and a whole lot of fun, is how I would describe "The Dark Backward". Way up there on the "strange scale", Wayne Newton, Bill Paxton, Judd Nelson and the rest of a perfect cast project their enthusiasm in every scene. Obviously aimed squarely at the "midnight movie" crowd, it hits a bullseye with the target audience. Mainstream comedy "Wedding Crashers" viewers are warned to avoid at all costs. Highly recommended to admirers of filmmakers who would dare to be different, take risks, and produce a movie looking for a specific audience. Give "The Dark Backward" three thumbs up, one from each arm. - MERK

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 March 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Dark Backward

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,917, 28 July 1991

Gross USA:

$28,654

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$28,654

Company Credits

Production Co:

Backward Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Black and White Color