Shooting Fish (1997)

Two con artists' plan to steal enough for a house are twisted when a pretty girl enters the picture.

Director:

Stefan Schwartz

Writers:

Stefan Schwartz, Richard Holmes

Stars:

Dan Futterman, Stuart Townsend, Kate Beckinsale

3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rowena Cooper	...	Jez's Teacher
Scott Charles	...	Samuel
Antonia Corrigan	...	Antonia
Myles Anderson	...	Jez - Age 8
Jane Lapotaire	...	Dylan's Headmistress
Harry Ditson	...	IRS Man
Jacob Macoby	...	Dylan - Age 8
Dan Futterman	...	Dylan
Tom Chadbon	...	Mr. Greenaway
Kate Beckinsale	...	Georgie
Stuart Townsend	...	Jez
Phyllis Logan	...	Mrs. Ross
Vicki Bensted	...	Bank Clerk
Peter McNamara	...	Geoff
Ralph Ineson	...	Mr. Ray

Storyline

Dylan and Jez are con artists, Dylan is a charming American who's run from some characters in the states and Jez is an English techno nerd. During one of their scams selling a voice recognition computer they hire Georgie as a secretary for the job. The romantic triangle between Dylan, Jez and Georgie appears, but she is also not a secretary, but a student, and her marriage with rich Roger is upcoming.

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Plot Keywords:

secretary | money | con artist | scam | orphan | 

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Taglines:

Fat cats are too easy. Go for the big fish.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, suggestive humor and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Website

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 May 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Atirando em Peixes

Filming Locations:

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$56,240, 3 May 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$302,204, 31 May 1998

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gruber Bros, Tomboy Films, Winchester Multimedia PLC

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min 99 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

To research their roles as conmen, both Stuart Townsend and Dan Futterman spent time flogging perfume from a suitcase in London's busiest shopping area, Oxford Street.

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Goofs

For the prize coupon for Zappy Nappies, Dylan and Jez have to describe in no more than eight words why they buy Zappy Nappies. However, Jez's solution - "Weighs less than a bun, holds more than a ton" - which they decide to send in is ten words.

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Quotes

Georgie: I feel like Wedding-Day Barbie. I couldn't be happier.

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Crazy Credits

Disclaimer in closing credits: "No animals, especially fish, were hurt during the making of this movie".

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Alternate Versions

The UK Region-2 DVD is also missing the scene where the heroes' home is trashed by their former scam-victims while spouting praises of "Good Old England".

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Connections

References Blind Date (1985)

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Soundtracks

Beautiful Alone
Written & Performed by Strangelove

User Reviews

Formulaic, predictable - But fun!

So I just caught this movie, years after it first came out.... and loved it! The lead characters are perfectly cast, complimenting each others performances wonderfully throughout. Ok, so I knew from scene one that it was all going to turn out for the best in the end, but it was the sort of movie where I didn't care! Great comedy situations, and strong writing ensured a thoroughly enjoyable experience. N.B - No review of this film would be complete without a mention of the fantastic soundtrack. From 60's American, past 90's Britpop, and culminating in the utterly magical workings of Neil Hannon - it was a joy to listen to.