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
53 Reviews
Like a train wreck, I couldn't take my eyes off it!
rosscinema21 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This is without a doubt the dirtiest and grimiest looking film that I have ever seen. Its also maybe the strangest thing I have ever laid eyes on. Story is about a truly pathetic excuse for a man named Marty Malt (Judd Nelson) who works as a garbage man during the day but at night he's the worst stand-up comedian and occasionally works in some despicable dives. His co-worker and friend is Gus (Bill Paxton) who eggs him on to keep trying to be a successful comedian. Marty has the hots for a waitress named Rosarita (Lara Flynn Boyle) but is to shy and weird to go for it. One day Gus notices a lump on Marty's back and he goes to see Doctor Scurvy (James Caan) who just puts bandages on it. Soon the lump grows into a third arm and Gus has an idea of Marty putting it into his act while he plays the accordion. Gus introduces Marty to a scummy talent agent named Jackie Chrome (Wayne Newton) and he books them on a local TV show starring Dirk Delta (Rob Lowe). The whole look of this film is dark and filthy. Not dirty, filthy! Its downright gross in some scenes and they usually involve the character Gus. In one scene they find the corpse of a woman at the city dump and Gus decides to lick her breasts! In another scene Gus is having a party with a bunch of incredibly obese women and French kissing them. They're is so much garbage used in this film that its the main focus in the movie. Not the third arm. Is this a good film? God no. Is it interesting? I wouldn't exactly say that. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't morbidly fascinated by it. Directed by Adam Rifkin who did create the atmosphere that he wanted. Its a disgusting one, but he succeeded in how he wanted his film to look. This has "Cult Film" written all over it. If you have a strong stomach and you enjoy cult films than you might want to check this out. For everyone else, your warned!
Interesting cast, in any event.
Hey_Sweden4 September 2012
Adam Rifkin's off-the-wall "The Dark Backward" is one of those films one could say suffers from the "trying too hard" syndrome. In this case, it really does go out of its way to come off as some instant sort of cult film. It does work as a minor commentary on the nature of show business, and how important a gimmick can be. In this case, the gimmick is the third arm growing out of garbageman Marty Malt's back. Malt, you see, is also a stand-up comedian who keeps plugging away, telling the same terrible jokes over and over, spurred on by a maniacal "pal", Gus, who has very big show biz aspirations. When the arm appears, they believe that this is all the edge that they will need, and their new agent Jackie Chrome believes so too. Sometimes the film seems to be weird just for the sake of being weird, and absolutely revels in its filth. It may be one of the grimiest films you'll ever see. The production designer, Sherman Williams, and cinematographer, Joey Forsyte, do stylize this to a high degree; this film takes place in a truly decrepit and seedy world, populated by seedy people. There's also a fair bit of grossness to the story, as well, at least when it comes to the character of Gus, played with his customary exuberance by Bill Paxton, who is utterly fearless throughout this thing. This is a guy who licks corpses before stealing their jewelry. Judd Nelson is perfect as the nerdy Malt, completely disappearing into the character. And Wayne Newton is spot on as the agent. The eclectic assemblage of actors also includes James Caan as a doctor, King Moody (at one time a portrayer of Ronald McDonald!) as a kiddie show host, Rob Lowe as a grease ball who picks Malt to be on a TV show, and Claudia Christian as a nurse. Presenting itself as something of a fable, "The Dark Backward" is not for everybody and in fact may be something of an endurance test for some viewers; others may embrace its oddness. It's not altogether unique, but it does have its moments (it's hard to forget that human xylophone). However, it goes on just a little too long. Curious and patient cult movie lovers may want to give it a look. Five out of 10.
Looking backward...
mrtimlarabee24 March 2008
Adam Rifkin has a resume of films that could have been. They are inspired, ambitious, original, but at the same time almost incomplete. The Dark Backward encompasses all these qualities and more.
The film opens promising enough. Judd Nelson as Marty, looking something like Crispin Glover in Back to the Future, sweats on stage delivering some horrible stand up comedy. We then meet Gus, Marty's "friend" played with villainous comic timing by Bill Paxton. He urges Marty on to keep at the stand up.
The film plays off like a twisted moral anti fairy tale. It's the almost rags to riches story gone awry, as Nelson plays a horrible stand up comic who's only talent seems to be an extra appendage out of his back.
Rifkin's allegory is great and the ending is a spectacular take on show-business and what it truly takes to come to fame. But it's the middle that sort of fails. It's painful to watch. Such pains are great to see in some films when writers are able to spice it up with great dialogue or endearing characters, but most of it is just revolting schlock. Rifkin goes to great lengths to show how pathetic the lives of Gus and Marty are. It's a bit much.
The saving grace of the film is Bill Paxton. He makes some of the disgusting material work, going from pure disgust to some shocking laughs. Sadly, Paxton doesn't do much comedy. For better or worse, this film may be the reason why. He is unbelievable and the way he sinks into the material (and other things) makes the film almost work.
Adam Rifkin seems to be full of half baked ideas. They're good ideas and strange ones at that. His projects never seem to have a fullness to them, but they are full of strange inspired moments that are unlike any other film. I don't know if we'll ever see Rifkin's material reach their maximum potential as these ideas don't sell to the mainstream, but we should enjoy strange sick gems like the Dark Backward from time to time.
The film opens promising enough. Judd Nelson as Marty, looking something like Crispin Glover in Back to the Future, sweats on stage delivering some horrible stand up comedy. We then meet Gus, Marty's "friend" played with villainous comic timing by Bill Paxton. He urges Marty on to keep at the stand up.
The film plays off like a twisted moral anti fairy tale. It's the almost rags to riches story gone awry, as Nelson plays a horrible stand up comic who's only talent seems to be an extra appendage out of his back.
Rifkin's allegory is great and the ending is a spectacular take on show-business and what it truly takes to come to fame. But it's the middle that sort of fails. It's painful to watch. Such pains are great to see in some films when writers are able to spice it up with great dialogue or endearing characters, but most of it is just revolting schlock. Rifkin goes to great lengths to show how pathetic the lives of Gus and Marty are. It's a bit much.
The saving grace of the film is Bill Paxton. He makes some of the disgusting material work, going from pure disgust to some shocking laughs. Sadly, Paxton doesn't do much comedy. For better or worse, this film may be the reason why. He is unbelievable and the way he sinks into the material (and other things) makes the film almost work.
Adam Rifkin seems to be full of half baked ideas. They're good ideas and strange ones at that. His projects never seem to have a fullness to them, but they are full of strange inspired moments that are unlike any other film. I don't know if we'll ever see Rifkin's material reach their maximum potential as these ideas don't sell to the mainstream, but we should enjoy strange sick gems like the Dark Backward from time to time.
Creepy Stuff
CaptainChunk14 February 2004
This movie is creepy and amazing. It's like an overlong Liquid Television sketch. The actors, the sets, everything looks dirty and depressing. Bil Paxton is never clean, Jud Nelson never stops sweating, Laura Flynn Boyle never looks happy, and the town never has sunlight. It'll throw you off if not prepared, but honestly, it's a great movie. It makes no sense, except in the world it created, and that's the beauty of it. This movie is great.
I've been slimed - and not in a good way
trukydna20 August 2001
This film was such a mess I actually reimbursed my friends who I dragged to see it. The only reason I went to see it was that my friend was an apprentice editor on the shoot.
I'm sure that this film was meant to be campy, but the approach was so heavy-handed and self-reflexive it turned out really flat. Judd Nelson stars as an obsequious garbage man who is a hack comedian on the side. His life is hell and made worse by his obnoxious and overbearing companion Bill Paxton (who I feel embarrassed for - this was a really tasteless role for a talented actor). A freak accident alters Nelson's career course and mayhem ensues.
The attempts at humor were corny, predictable and often base and tasteless. Wayne Newton in the cast as a talent agent is a novelty but he adds nothing - comedically or otherwise.
Overall, it's a very weak and uncreative attempt at camp humor that goes over like a lead balloon. At least you could laugh AT Plan 9 From Outer Space. This one just makes you wonder who thought this was a good enough idea to finance and film. One of the all time worst bombs you'll ever witness.
I'm sure that this film was meant to be campy, but the approach was so heavy-handed and self-reflexive it turned out really flat. Judd Nelson stars as an obsequious garbage man who is a hack comedian on the side. His life is hell and made worse by his obnoxious and overbearing companion Bill Paxton (who I feel embarrassed for - this was a really tasteless role for a talented actor). A freak accident alters Nelson's career course and mayhem ensues.
The attempts at humor were corny, predictable and often base and tasteless. Wayne Newton in the cast as a talent agent is a novelty but he adds nothing - comedically or otherwise.
Overall, it's a very weak and uncreative attempt at camp humor that goes over like a lead balloon. At least you could laugh AT Plan 9 From Outer Space. This one just makes you wonder who thought this was a good enough idea to finance and film. One of the all time worst bombs you'll ever witness.
Cultists are put to the test
StevePulaski1 July 2012
Marty Malt (Judd Nelson) is a miserable, unfulfilled garbageman who aspires to be a successful standup comic in the wake of his mundane life. He frequently performs his abysmal schtick at seamy diners and unattractive dives, with only one fan; his best friend and fellow garbageman, Gus (Bill Paxton). One day, Gus notices that Marty has a disgusting lump on his back that quickly sprouts into a fully grown human-arm. Miraculously, Marty is more popular now than he ever was before, and becomes the target of the sleazy talent agent, Jackie Chrome (Wayne Newton), who previously wanted nothing to do with Marty after seeing his loathsome act. In the mix of it all, Gus, his once faithful, dim-witted best friend turns sickeningly manipulative and controlling of his new friend's found fame, and begins to be grossly violent towards the man and his already fragile self-esteem.
As you might've guessed, The Dark Backward wants to be called a "cult movie." Whether or not it has earned that status today I cannot say, but I can say it is one of the strangest and quirkiest film I've seen in quite sometime. Adam Rifkin, a director I have lauded in the past for making the brilliant anthology film, LOOK, chronicling the lives of unsuspecting people as they are recorded numerous times a day with surveillance cameras (he followed the film up with a Showtime TV show that ran for eight episodes, as well), the cult-comedy, Detroit Rock City, about four die-hard KISS fans trying to score some tickets to their big show, and Chillerama, an anthology horror film he contributed to, is the perfect man to write and direct such a story. It is told through his trademark eclectic ways and his appetite for crudely entertaining story tricks that are so sick, depraved, and outlandish that they beg an audience to appreciate them.
The film erects one of the seamiest and dirtiest environments this side of a landfill, with some grimy cinematography, complimenting the overall tone of the film, along with presenting the characters in such a disastrous light. Our main character, Marty, always appears hunched over, drenched in his own sweat, shaking and quivering as the next setup commences. His friend, Gus, commits to some of the dirtiest acts in the film, one including eating rancid chicken found in Marty's refrigerator. The cult films I appreciate the most are ones that can't be placed in an existing genre. This isn't a comedy, because little laughing is done, drama isn't the correct word, horror is a step-up, but not quite, and any other genre doesn't prove satisfactory. It is simply film, in which we watch and immensely try and grasp long after the event is over.
In a way, the film reminds me of Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy, starring Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis. In that picture, we were given characters we were depressed and saddened to watch for a long period of time. I felt nothing but moroseness watching the picture, seeing De Niro's Rupert Pupkin wander aimlessly scene after scene, believing every encounter he had with someone was a genuinely meaningful one, and after watching Marty being led through his career as a comedian and a sideshow attraction by his friend Gus, I feel the same sort of moroseness.
I'm a fan of cult cinema and The Dark Backward unnervingly pushes my envelope. It is satire of epic proportions, a comedic exercise so dark and so saddening that it almost must be seen to be believed. I mean, if you can handle such a thing.
Starring: Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton, Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan, and Rob Lowe. Directed by: Adam Rifkin.
As you might've guessed, The Dark Backward wants to be called a "cult movie." Whether or not it has earned that status today I cannot say, but I can say it is one of the strangest and quirkiest film I've seen in quite sometime. Adam Rifkin, a director I have lauded in the past for making the brilliant anthology film, LOOK, chronicling the lives of unsuspecting people as they are recorded numerous times a day with surveillance cameras (he followed the film up with a Showtime TV show that ran for eight episodes, as well), the cult-comedy, Detroit Rock City, about four die-hard KISS fans trying to score some tickets to their big show, and Chillerama, an anthology horror film he contributed to, is the perfect man to write and direct such a story. It is told through his trademark eclectic ways and his appetite for crudely entertaining story tricks that are so sick, depraved, and outlandish that they beg an audience to appreciate them.
The film erects one of the seamiest and dirtiest environments this side of a landfill, with some grimy cinematography, complimenting the overall tone of the film, along with presenting the characters in such a disastrous light. Our main character, Marty, always appears hunched over, drenched in his own sweat, shaking and quivering as the next setup commences. His friend, Gus, commits to some of the dirtiest acts in the film, one including eating rancid chicken found in Marty's refrigerator. The cult films I appreciate the most are ones that can't be placed in an existing genre. This isn't a comedy, because little laughing is done, drama isn't the correct word, horror is a step-up, but not quite, and any other genre doesn't prove satisfactory. It is simply film, in which we watch and immensely try and grasp long after the event is over.
In a way, the film reminds me of Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy, starring Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis. In that picture, we were given characters we were depressed and saddened to watch for a long period of time. I felt nothing but moroseness watching the picture, seeing De Niro's Rupert Pupkin wander aimlessly scene after scene, believing every encounter he had with someone was a genuinely meaningful one, and after watching Marty being led through his career as a comedian and a sideshow attraction by his friend Gus, I feel the same sort of moroseness.
I'm a fan of cult cinema and The Dark Backward unnervingly pushes my envelope. It is satire of epic proportions, a comedic exercise so dark and so saddening that it almost must be seen to be believed. I mean, if you can handle such a thing.
Starring: Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton, Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan, and Rob Lowe. Directed by: Adam Rifkin.
I was warned
J. Dredd17 January 2001
A friend warned me that this was the worst movie he had ever seen. I was curious, because it had developed a bit of a cult status. I like a lot of odd indie cult movies so I gave it a shot. I have to agree with my friend. It is a steaming pile of dung. I am sorry to the people who love this movie, but I can recommend much better stuff if you want to watch a twisted indie cult film. Try Peter Jackson's Dead Alive (aka Braindead), Cemetery Man (aka Dellamorte Dellamore) , or Modern vampires.
Fascinating, Disturbing Ultra Black Tale
Spamlet8 April 2003
You have got to say one thing about this film whether you like it or don't. It's completely original.
There's never been anything quite like it on-screen. In form, it's a Fairy Tale of the very Grimm variety. In tone, it's closest to the absurdist theatre works of Beckett, Pirandello and Ionesco. There's also a whole lot of allegory and symbolism going on here. Though everything is told simply there's a tremendous amount of depth to ponder in the issues the film raises and in the way the characters deal with living in this metaphor for Hell. Understanding the universe they are inhabiting is the key to appreciating this film.
The "Dark Backward" explores a world that is overwhelmed with scum and filth. One of the characters, Gus, is so dirty he looks like a live action version of "Pigpen".
As this character Bill Paxton gives one of the bravest, most fascinating performances I've ever seen. He walks a tightwire of contradictions playing a character who is at once both innocence and evil incarnate.
He's loud, lustful and obnoxious. He's quiet, virginal and caring. At one moment, he's as stupid as a post; in the next, he's cunningly manipulitive and deceitful. To oversimplify-it's like being asked to play Forrest Gump AND Iago in the same character. Miraculously, Paxton not only pulls it off but makes it appear as though all these opposing traits could easily belong to a single creature.
The rest of the cast is magnificent in the way they embrace the excesses of their respective characters. As mentioned earlier, this is an absurdist story and these actors realize the importance of exaggeration to make the genre work. This is also why those who have dismissed Paxton's work as over-the-top should not be heeded. This is a film that shows a world where there is no top to be gone over. There is nothing which can be considered too much.
There's never been anything quite like it on-screen. In form, it's a Fairy Tale of the very Grimm variety. In tone, it's closest to the absurdist theatre works of Beckett, Pirandello and Ionesco. There's also a whole lot of allegory and symbolism going on here. Though everything is told simply there's a tremendous amount of depth to ponder in the issues the film raises and in the way the characters deal with living in this metaphor for Hell. Understanding the universe they are inhabiting is the key to appreciating this film.
The "Dark Backward" explores a world that is overwhelmed with scum and filth. One of the characters, Gus, is so dirty he looks like a live action version of "Pigpen".
As this character Bill Paxton gives one of the bravest, most fascinating performances I've ever seen. He walks a tightwire of contradictions playing a character who is at once both innocence and evil incarnate.
He's loud, lustful and obnoxious. He's quiet, virginal and caring. At one moment, he's as stupid as a post; in the next, he's cunningly manipulitive and deceitful. To oversimplify-it's like being asked to play Forrest Gump AND Iago in the same character. Miraculously, Paxton not only pulls it off but makes it appear as though all these opposing traits could easily belong to a single creature.
The rest of the cast is magnificent in the way they embrace the excesses of their respective characters. As mentioned earlier, this is an absurdist story and these actors realize the importance of exaggeration to make the genre work. This is also why those who have dismissed Paxton's work as over-the-top should not be heeded. This is a film that shows a world where there is no top to be gone over. There is nothing which can be considered too much.
Obviously written by a 13 year old!
riker198521 August 2003
When I found out that this film was written by a 13 year old boy, I was, to say the least, not suprised. I am a teenager, and some of my best friends were 13 year old boys, so I can say that I understand the humor, and unfourtunatly, also find this sence of humor entertaining. But that doesnt mean I dont find this movie to be extremely bizzar. Judd Nelson's character, Marty Malt, is a kind hearted man wo simply wishes to pursue his dream of becoming a stand-up comic. His "friend" played by Bill Paxton, is nothing but a money grubbing fair weather fan, this personality is well "acted" by Mr. Paxton. I only suggest this film to people who dont mind, or even enjoy strange humor, otherwise all "point" to the film will be lost.
It hurts bad! Do yourself a favour . . .
sunshine917_3229 July 2002
. . . and never, ever see it. Now, I've been watching bad scifi movies for years. I love watching bad scifi movies. I think that was the only reason I could watch this movie the whole way through. I was toughened up by "Nukie," "Indian Superman," and that awful "Fantastic Four" movie, just to name some examples. Usually, I have to beat my head against the wall after I've seen a bad movie to make some of the pain go away. No, not with this one. With "TDB," I had to hit myself in the head with a shoe in the middle of the movie. Temporary fix. I can't believe I wanted to see that. I cried. When it finished, I cried. It was horrible. It was worse than when I saw *shudders* Wil Wheaton in his underwear in "The Curse," which, by the way, never watch either. Aside from the fact that Wesley Crusher's in his tighty whiteys, it's just sooo bad. But this review is about "TDB." The worst part about it is that someone wrote this movie and said, "This deserves to go on film! It's great!" and Wayne Newton, Rob Lowe, and everyone else in the cast said, "Oh, this is what I want on my film history!" I'll watch "Indian Superman" until the cows come home, but I am never going to see this steaming pile of dren again.
perhaps the dirtiest film ever?
fishead29 March 1999
I don't know whether I've ever encountered another film with quite as much on screen filth as this one... not filth in the pornographic sense, but in the sense that there is a layer of dirt covering just about everything all through the film. I remember looking at the case and seeing the claim that it compared to Brazil, Pink Flamingos and Eraserhead. At the time I thought it would be worth the money just to be able to tear it to shreds after watching it... but it turned out to be a very endearing film that paints a sinister picture of opportunism. Of course, The Dark Backward isn't going to appeal to just anyone, but anyone who finds humour in scenes of perversion and obvious discomfort will recognise this one as a gem.
Quirky black comedy with an outrageous Bill Paxton
Leofwine_draca13 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
THE DARK BACKWARD is an unusual little black comedy starring Judd Nelson as a nerdy character trying to kick start a career in stand up comedy. It doesn't go well for him, until one day when he randomly starts growing a third arm from his back. The subsequent story that plays out is extremely over the top and quite simple, with an emphasis on the bizarre and slapstick throughout. A series of random cameos from the likes of James Caan, Lara Flynn Boyle, Claudia Christian, and Rob Lowe helps to keep this ticking over, but the real reason to tune in is the excellent Bill Paxton in one of his craziest, grimiest, most outrageous turns as Nelson's accordion-playing buddy.
Catastrophic would-be "cult" film -- one of worst ever
Erewhon26 December 2003
This movie has no heart and no soul; it's an attempt to whomp up a cult film out of the leavings of other, better, directors, principally David Lynch and Tim Burton. Rifkin seems to think that if he overloads on a kind of rotted visual style and fills the street with crud and garbage, he's making a statement. But it's not a statement ABOUT anything -- except the director's shrill shriek of "HEY LOOK AT ME! I'M AN ARTIST, TOO." But he doesn't have the imagination of an artist, just a good memory for things that worked -- such as some of the actors trapped in this -- for other directors. All of this would be almost acceptable if this movie was not a turgid, boring chore to sit through.
Pleasantly quirky
TM-21 April 2002
Yes. What can I say. I liked this movie. Slimey, sleazy, often crude but kept me interested. It's the kind of movie you feel you need a shower after. The plot is bizarre. The cast are just right. Bill Paxton is superb! Can't wait for it to come out on DVD.
a ten at four in the morning
jryan-417 August 2002
Ninety five degrees of August heat yesterday so my wife Lynn
comes down with a miserable cold and sore throat. Even though
our crib is air conned to the max, she's restless and can't sleep.
She goes downstairs at four in the morning and turns on the
teevee. The Dark Backward comes on the tube as movies like the
Dark Backward are wont to do at four o'clock in the morning in the
middle of misery. She manages to watch this filthy three armed
oddity featuring not only Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton AND Wayne
Newton but also Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan AND Rob Lowe.
Not to mention King Moody the original McDonald's pitchman as
Twinkie Doodle. Lynn lasted about an hour, fired up the video tape.....as much to
prove that this thing actually existed and wasn't an influenza stoked
hallucination as to finish watching it. She started telling me about
the movie when she returned to bed in the darkness just before
dawn. I listened in half conscious astonishment as she described
four hundred pound hookers, a Doctor named Scurvy and a
garbage laden town called Blumph.
The next morning, we went downstairs, turned on the VCR and
watched the concluding hour of DarK Backward. What a stupendously, surreal, unapologetic and screwy film. How the hell
do these thngs ever get made? Thank God they do because
anyone might be going through hell at any particular four in the
morning.
comes down with a miserable cold and sore throat. Even though
our crib is air conned to the max, she's restless and can't sleep.
She goes downstairs at four in the morning and turns on the
teevee. The Dark Backward comes on the tube as movies like the
Dark Backward are wont to do at four o'clock in the morning in the
middle of misery. She manages to watch this filthy three armed
oddity featuring not only Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton AND Wayne
Newton but also Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan AND Rob Lowe.
Not to mention King Moody the original McDonald's pitchman as
Twinkie Doodle. Lynn lasted about an hour, fired up the video tape.....as much to
prove that this thing actually existed and wasn't an influenza stoked
hallucination as to finish watching it. She started telling me about
the movie when she returned to bed in the darkness just before
dawn. I listened in half conscious astonishment as she described
four hundred pound hookers, a Doctor named Scurvy and a
garbage laden town called Blumph.
The next morning, we went downstairs, turned on the VCR and
watched the concluding hour of DarK Backward. What a stupendously, surreal, unapologetic and screwy film. How the hell
do these thngs ever get made? Thank God they do because
anyone might be going through hell at any particular four in the
morning.
Not "cult" awful, just awful.
B1rd22 February 2008
OK, fans, it's out on DVD. But the only reason to watch this is 1) to say you did (due to its notoriety), or 2) if you're a hardcore Bill Paxton fan. I am not a hardcore BP fan but he was fun to watch and it was the only thing that kept me from turning this off from sheer boredom. It's a shame, because this could have been a good movie with some script work and if made by someone with some intelligence (and with a cast led by someone besides the totally miscast and talentless Judd Nelson). Sure it's gross, but it's BAD, and not in a good way. If after reading all the comments on how bizarrely revolting and dystopianly filthy this movie is you are still interested, do yourself a favor and see some GOOD bizarre revolting dystopian filth instead. Films by John Waters, David Lynch, Peter Jackson's "Braindead", Henenlotter's "Basket Case", etc., all come to mind. There's lots better out there.
this is a wonderfully twisted movie
mofoholmes12 July 2000
i saw this when it first came out, and was like "what the f**k??" yet at the same time i was intrigued by it. judd nelson, wayne newton, and a third arm? wow. plus adam rifkin's style was so unusual, with his bizarre focus on blump's (squeezable bacon? yum) and the kitty clock. i pitied judd nelson's character, for having such a sad existence, with a friend that would b.s. him about his (non-existent) comedic abilities.
the movie didn't change my life or anything, but i can honestly say that i have yet to see any other movie like it.
the movie didn't change my life or anything, but i can honestly say that i have yet to see any other movie like it.
This was painful to watch
danny-tech-world3 December 2005
I was invited to view this film at a small art museum screening. I had no clue what to expect. I was initially optimistic in the opening credits to see Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton, James Cann, Rob Lowe, and Lara-Flynn-Boyle listed. However after some very disturbing grossed-out scenes (that did not add much to the story advancement), this film quickly became a weapon of torture. The gimmick of the vestigial growing arm storyline is never really developed. I patiently kept waiting for this film to cash-in. There was a small payoff in the end, but having to invest and sit through the the endless gross, crude, sexually-perverted, in-your-face screaming, unfunny gore cost too much for me (even for a free viewing). What were these established actors doing in this awful film? The art direction was very convincing and creepy. At the very minimum, it should only be a 75-minute film. This is a film that Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld would embrace.
This movie is beautiful
tbyrne421 April 2006
I really love "The Dark Backward". Does that make me some kind of weirdo? Perhaps, but I don't think so. Frankly, I consider people who watch "American Idol" weirdos, so there you go.
Anyone reading this review probably knows the basic storyline. Mary Malt (Judd Nelson) is a garbage man who moonlights as a (really awful) stand-up comic. Audiences hate his act but his disgusting best friend and fellow garbage man Gus (Bill Paxton) keeps assuring him he's great and that the crowds love him. One day an arm starts growing out of Marty's back and Gus, who plays the accordian during Marty's act, convinces him to work it into their routine. They get a talent agent (sleazy Wayne Newton) and a succession of bookings follow. The whole things plays out as a coal-black parable about the foibles of decency in an oportunistic world.
The plot is simplistic, really. What this film is is texture, texture, texture. And that texture is filth, evil, and scum.
There is more scum and evil in this film than in ten David Lynch films. Marty and Gus live in a parallel universe (by way of Newark, New Jersey) comprised of vast amounts of garbage and shrugging indifference. Three-quarters of the characters in this film spend their time on screen asleep. The remaining two-thirds are hysterical, conniving, moronic, or flat-out sinister (with the exception of a child-comprised studio audience we see briefly).
Marty spends the film bent over as though his spine were warped and with his face drenched in sweat. Gus is so dirty he practically blends into the garabage he and Marty dig through at the dump. When Gus opens Marty's refrigerator he can only find some green and toxic chicken that looks left over from Mesolithic era (he eats it anyway).
When Marty and Gus get their big break is when the film really broke the mold for me. Marty has a three-armed suit made and during their act (after each joke) he does a slow turn so the audience can see his extra appendage and it's really amazing. It's looks totally surreal!!! It's beautiful!!
I can't totally explain why I love this film so much, except to say that I find it beautiful when someone puts so much work into making something so absolutely pure.
In many ways the world that we live in is beautiful. There are things that are special and fragile and new. However, this world is also filled with great deal of hatred and rage. We have made this world a very toxic place (and I mean that in the literal sense) Life can be (and is, for some) hell. It would be incorrect to assume expression only need represent the happy skippy joys of life.
Personally, I think this is one of the best representations of a "hell on earth" ever on film.
Anyone reading this review probably knows the basic storyline. Mary Malt (Judd Nelson) is a garbage man who moonlights as a (really awful) stand-up comic. Audiences hate his act but his disgusting best friend and fellow garbage man Gus (Bill Paxton) keeps assuring him he's great and that the crowds love him. One day an arm starts growing out of Marty's back and Gus, who plays the accordian during Marty's act, convinces him to work it into their routine. They get a talent agent (sleazy Wayne Newton) and a succession of bookings follow. The whole things plays out as a coal-black parable about the foibles of decency in an oportunistic world.
The plot is simplistic, really. What this film is is texture, texture, texture. And that texture is filth, evil, and scum.
There is more scum and evil in this film than in ten David Lynch films. Marty and Gus live in a parallel universe (by way of Newark, New Jersey) comprised of vast amounts of garbage and shrugging indifference. Three-quarters of the characters in this film spend their time on screen asleep. The remaining two-thirds are hysterical, conniving, moronic, or flat-out sinister (with the exception of a child-comprised studio audience we see briefly).
Marty spends the film bent over as though his spine were warped and with his face drenched in sweat. Gus is so dirty he practically blends into the garabage he and Marty dig through at the dump. When Gus opens Marty's refrigerator he can only find some green and toxic chicken that looks left over from Mesolithic era (he eats it anyway).
When Marty and Gus get their big break is when the film really broke the mold for me. Marty has a three-armed suit made and during their act (after each joke) he does a slow turn so the audience can see his extra appendage and it's really amazing. It's looks totally surreal!!! It's beautiful!!
I can't totally explain why I love this film so much, except to say that I find it beautiful when someone puts so much work into making something so absolutely pure.
In many ways the world that we live in is beautiful. There are things that are special and fragile and new. However, this world is also filled with great deal of hatred and rage. We have made this world a very toxic place (and I mean that in the literal sense) Life can be (and is, for some) hell. It would be incorrect to assume expression only need represent the happy skippy joys of life.
Personally, I think this is one of the best representations of a "hell on earth" ever on film.
Bill Paxton can laugh with the best of 'em.
ElijahCSkuggs30 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I heard that this flick was as good or better than Freaked. I can easily tell you that it most certainly, without a doubt, is not. But is it bad? Nope. Is it weird as hell? Yep. Was it good? Yeah, I guess so. But it ain't no Freaked, that's for sh!t sure.
Story revolves around a dude named Marty Malt who is trying to be a stand-up comic. You first see him step up on stage sweating his balls off. Low and behold, he's awful. The worst of the worst. So bad, it's actually funny...to a degree. Anyways, his pal Gus, is Marty's only "real" fan. And gives him pseudo-hope non-stop. Which is a nice thing to do, but not in this case, since Marty has almost zero chance of making anyone laugh. Well, the story takes a weird turn and Marty's upper back, sprouts a hand, which eventually turns into a full-fledged arm. Through this, the ever enthusiastic and optimistic Gus gets himself and Marty intertwined with an Agent for the hopes of them making it big. Things get messy, obese women get drunk, trashmen do their job poorly and Marty keeps on telling poor jokes.
The Dark Backward was a weird flick, but also a mildly entertaining one which will keep people with strange senses of humor pretty content. From reading the comments, I can relate with the people who love this flick, and the people who hate its guts. But, I for one, can appreciate a solid flick when I see one. This had inventive sets, solid acting, good writing and a pretty cool story.
The flick ain't perfect though. With Bill Paxton as Gus pretty much taking over every scene with his non-stop laughing character the movie became a tad repetitive. I'd be lying if I said Paxton's character didn't make me laugh though. I'm a sucker for some good over-the-top laughing. Also, the arm in the back, it didn't do much for me. Yeah, okay, it's weird that it happened, but it barely played any part in the story. A couple times it seemed like it had it's own mind, and maybe it would do something crazy later on. But it pretty much did nothing, besides console Marty. Which was kinda cute. Plus a handful of boring scenes didn't help.
Besides the problems it may have had, the flick felt hardcore in a way. A very bizarre and inventive flick to make, and it truly succeeded in that venture. A little more creativity would have propelled this into Freaked territory, but alas it fell a little short. Though I do recommend it to people who find the bizarre humorous.
Story revolves around a dude named Marty Malt who is trying to be a stand-up comic. You first see him step up on stage sweating his balls off. Low and behold, he's awful. The worst of the worst. So bad, it's actually funny...to a degree. Anyways, his pal Gus, is Marty's only "real" fan. And gives him pseudo-hope non-stop. Which is a nice thing to do, but not in this case, since Marty has almost zero chance of making anyone laugh. Well, the story takes a weird turn and Marty's upper back, sprouts a hand, which eventually turns into a full-fledged arm. Through this, the ever enthusiastic and optimistic Gus gets himself and Marty intertwined with an Agent for the hopes of them making it big. Things get messy, obese women get drunk, trashmen do their job poorly and Marty keeps on telling poor jokes.
The Dark Backward was a weird flick, but also a mildly entertaining one which will keep people with strange senses of humor pretty content. From reading the comments, I can relate with the people who love this flick, and the people who hate its guts. But, I for one, can appreciate a solid flick when I see one. This had inventive sets, solid acting, good writing and a pretty cool story.
The flick ain't perfect though. With Bill Paxton as Gus pretty much taking over every scene with his non-stop laughing character the movie became a tad repetitive. I'd be lying if I said Paxton's character didn't make me laugh though. I'm a sucker for some good over-the-top laughing. Also, the arm in the back, it didn't do much for me. Yeah, okay, it's weird that it happened, but it barely played any part in the story. A couple times it seemed like it had it's own mind, and maybe it would do something crazy later on. But it pretty much did nothing, besides console Marty. Which was kinda cute. Plus a handful of boring scenes didn't help.
Besides the problems it may have had, the flick felt hardcore in a way. A very bizarre and inventive flick to make, and it truly succeeded in that venture. A little more creativity would have propelled this into Freaked territory, but alas it fell a little short. Though I do recommend it to people who find the bizarre humorous.
Gross dark comedy
johnc214130 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Judd Nelson,Bill Paxton play buddies who are garbage men.Nelson is a comedian that's just not funny. He later finds out he has a lump on his back. That turns out to be an arm . James Casn is the Dr with a sharpie pen.Calaudia Christian is the nympho nurse.And also in the cast is Rob Lowe, Wayne Newton, And Lara Flynn Boyle. This is a crazy movie kind of reminds me of a trims movie with big stars. It's very Dark and gross.anyone care for squeezable bacon and man made ham? Of course when he has the arm coming out of his back he becomes a success .Afam Rifkin directed this cult movie.Jist don't eat anything while watching this it'll affect your appetite. But I did enjoy this very Dark Comedy.
1st time: hate - 2nd: favorite!
kichigaisatori31 July 2005
Okay, the first time I watched this thing on videotape at a friend's house, I was annoyed beyond words. I didn't even finish it. A few years later it was playing at a repertory theater nearby & for some twisted reason I decided to give it another go, this time on the big screen. And I absolutely love the film now. Maybe my tolerance for the absolutely bizarre grew by leaps or my mind opened up much more than it really should, but this blacker-than-Satan's-heart-on-a-bad-day comedy had me in awe at the absurdity present and nearly in a fetal-position in the aisle laughing my guts out. Crispin Glover may not appear in it, but fans of his MUST see this. Mainstream definitely does not apply in any way, shape, or form here. Oh, and prepare to be offended. Many times.
Pretty good!
Mixxy_Mona29 August 2010
This wasn't the best, worst, or weirdest movie I've seen this week but still weird enough to be enjoyable for me. The acting was campy and good, Bill Paxton's character was perfectly annoying as the main character's best 'friend'. This movie is sort of a cruel and painful tapestry of exploitation, deformity, and misfortune. A comedian who doesn't seem to realize that he's terrible is gullible enough to be roped into a sordid number of entrepreneurial endeavors not unlike the television show "Tom Goes to the Mayor". The camera work was interesting at times and the sets used the right colors, though not lush still evocative. The overall feeling this movie left me with was hope despite the series of horrible and terrible things that keep getting worse, or better, or worse or whatever.
been trying to remember this movie for a long long time...
yuri_yepgrav3318 March 2007
i have had this movie, in the back of my head sense i saw it. i have wanted to tell people about it time and again, but never remembered. now i found it. now finally, i can tell people precisely what the absolute worst, most crappy movie i have ever seen in my entire life, bar none is.
this movie is complete trash, and is unfit for a garbage dump. all prints and other copy's of this movie should be rounded up loaded into a large rocket, and launched into the sun. only the purifying heat and pressure of the sun might be able to purify the materials this movie is stored on, so that they can be useful to the universe again.
i like movies. i like bad movies. and yes this is an opinion. but this movie was pure trash, filth, and excrement of some beast that should never be seen let alone named by man.
i would rather watch a Uwe Boll Movie marathon than watch this movie. and i hate Uwe Boll's films.
this movie is complete trash, and is unfit for a garbage dump. all prints and other copy's of this movie should be rounded up loaded into a large rocket, and launched into the sun. only the purifying heat and pressure of the sun might be able to purify the materials this movie is stored on, so that they can be useful to the universe again.
i like movies. i like bad movies. and yes this is an opinion. but this movie was pure trash, filth, and excrement of some beast that should never be seen let alone named by man.
i would rather watch a Uwe Boll Movie marathon than watch this movie. and i hate Uwe Boll's films.
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