Nothing spectacular here - a bit to much of the 'home project' feel, but not pretentious in any way. Seems that everybody had fun doing this project. Passable tech aspects, script and acting. As to the overall value, I disagree with so low of a rating (currently 1.5), that's a tad too harsh. Definitely better than a today's average indie, however, still only marginally watchable. 3/10
10 Reviews
Fascinating Dark Comedy
rob-burrows1-122 April 2014
There was a quality to this that may pass some people over. It had a distinct flavour - a movie that combined crime, comedy & a crime theme. If you can hack that concept you are in for a treat. It is a brilliantly written and made movie with, well what can you say? Great looking actors who act the part! The humour was transatlantic in that it certainly should appeal to an international audience. This was (oddly for a crime themed story) a bright, cheery and uplifting movie. In making this writer and makers have carried of quiet a difficult task and have accomplished it well. It is a really original work and owing to the mixed genre aspect a challenging task to carry out well. It is something that I will have on my list of movies to put on when I have gusts round and need to entertain them (I do this to enjoy their reactions). It deserves its stars!
A good low-budget Donna Reed black comedy
rlockh0219 September 2006
Death of a Saleswoman played at the Kansas International Film Festival on Sep 18, 2006 in Kansas City. The writer-director, Donna Wheeler was in attendance and gave a Q&A after the film.
Death of a Saleswoman is about the murder (and over six thousand dollars worth of plastic storage ware stolen from her trunk) of Agatha Ruby, the top seller and regional sales manager of plastic storage (not Tupperware).
The movie is a Donna Reed black comedy of obsession and envy in a small town. One really nice aspect of the film was nearly every single person in the small town was a suspect (one of my favorite scenes was the last one where the town population was carefully changed from 200 to 199).
The cast was very good for a ultra-low budget film. Several actors I've seen on network television (Friends, ER, Law & Order).
The Director, Donna Wheeler mentioned all of the flashbacks were shot in B&W while everything else was in color. The photography wasn't really that great and the lighting was a problem but you have to expect things like that with low-budget films (think of all the low-grade horror films you've seen). I think the lead (the murder victim) Melissa Papp has a future in movies. She is extremely pretty and has IT (whatever IT is). Her personality really shines through and her face can really show what her character is feeling. I'm going to look for other stuff she's been in.
Who actually did it doesn't matter so don't spend time in the movie trying to figure out who killed her and stole all of the plastic ware. Just enjoy all of the twisted motivations in this small town and the outsider cops trying to piece everything together.
No it's not a great film but I liked it. Well worth a rental if it every hits NetFlixs.
Death of a Saleswoman is about the murder (and over six thousand dollars worth of plastic storage ware stolen from her trunk) of Agatha Ruby, the top seller and regional sales manager of plastic storage (not Tupperware).
The movie is a Donna Reed black comedy of obsession and envy in a small town. One really nice aspect of the film was nearly every single person in the small town was a suspect (one of my favorite scenes was the last one where the town population was carefully changed from 200 to 199).
The cast was very good for a ultra-low budget film. Several actors I've seen on network television (Friends, ER, Law & Order).
The Director, Donna Wheeler mentioned all of the flashbacks were shot in B&W while everything else was in color. The photography wasn't really that great and the lighting was a problem but you have to expect things like that with low-budget films (think of all the low-grade horror films you've seen). I think the lead (the murder victim) Melissa Papp has a future in movies. She is extremely pretty and has IT (whatever IT is). Her personality really shines through and her face can really show what her character is feeling. I'm going to look for other stuff she's been in.
Who actually did it doesn't matter so don't spend time in the movie trying to figure out who killed her and stole all of the plastic ware. Just enjoy all of the twisted motivations in this small town and the outsider cops trying to piece everything together.
No it's not a great film but I liked it. Well worth a rental if it every hits NetFlixs.
Indie Dark Comedy
hollywoodthegame15 September 2015
If you are looking for a movie you can put on, sit back, and enjoy, than I highly recommend this!
The movie is an Indie Dark Comedy that is a whodunit/crime mystery looking into the small town murder of a rubber-maid saleswomen. She was killed and all of her product was stolen. The 200 residents of the small town are all suspects and each has its own reason of why they could be the killer.
"Death of a Saleswoman" does not fit the mold of a traditional comedy and that is why it works. As a mockumentary it is a quirky and enjoyable flick that is suitable for the whole family.
The movie is an Indie Dark Comedy that is a whodunit/crime mystery looking into the small town murder of a rubber-maid saleswomen. She was killed and all of her product was stolen. The 200 residents of the small town are all suspects and each has its own reason of why they could be the killer.
"Death of a Saleswoman" does not fit the mold of a traditional comedy and that is why it works. As a mockumentary it is a quirky and enjoyable flick that is suitable for the whole family.
Such a good film!
craigahrens13 February 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this film from beginning to end! Writer/director Donna Wheeler did such a great job! Really enjoyed the story and the pacing of this film! The actors were good too! Really enjoyed the characters! Bravo to all the fine folks responsible for this gem of a film! Well done All!
What a fresh and delicious film this is!
ImGonnaJump29 March 2008
Through a hazy maze of nutty twists and turns or macabre and inconvenient coincidences, "Death of a Saleswoman" propels us through all the dotty lives of a rural small hamlet's populace. Practically every single character in filmmaker Donna Wheeler's universe either has a reason to be a suspect or to finger someone else as one. Although the gazillion maddening strands eventually find clarity and get tied neatly with a bow, part of the fun is simply letting go and allowing this marvelous cinematic bon-mot to simply wash over you.
As an added plus, what really sucked me in was the wonderfully orchestrated sonic universe. Both the music and the sound beds jointly conspired to create a rich geography of place and a lush mood of mystery. It was equally silly when it was appropriate as well. It felt like I was really there for the ride.
"Death of a Saleswoman" is a smart and funny murder mystery that rips the lid off stale, pre-packaged crime dramas and instead delivers a fresh, delicious comedy to the world. I highly recommend it.
As an added plus, what really sucked me in was the wonderfully orchestrated sonic universe. Both the music and the sound beds jointly conspired to create a rich geography of place and a lush mood of mystery. It was equally silly when it was appropriate as well. It felt like I was really there for the ride.
"Death of a Saleswoman" is a smart and funny murder mystery that rips the lid off stale, pre-packaged crime dramas and instead delivers a fresh, delicious comedy to the world. I highly recommend it.
Goofy parody, fun with friends or family
artlvrla1222 April 2014
I rented this with some friends from college and we enjoyed it over an evening of chatting, grilling and a fun holiday weekend. It's full of subtle, silly and mostly G-rated elements within the story line and plot, and I know my nieces, nephews and friends' kids would like it, as they would probably try to solve the mystery of the true killer's identity along with me and my friends. Parts of it reminded me of the Real Housewives series somewhat, but it avoids going too far into the negative, backbiting, cattiness and competitiveness, and instead stays more like a parody where the characters are frequently just playing the absurd aspects of a certain reality. The actors seem to be enjoying some sauciness in certain scenes, and overall, they stay within the family-rating stamp of the movie, while still having fun with the story. One thing I'll say, we were not able to guess the ending, and that was half the fun. It's good viewing for a lighthearted, family night in, or for times hanging out with friends watching festival indie movies.
Subtle humor, clever and enjoyable
mark-224527 October 2015
Watching Death of a Saleswoman was like being with a group of friends who knows my sense of humor PERFECTLY. The comedy comes at you obliquely, but if you pay attention you can really appreciate the subtle touches. Clever use of black and white hearkens back to Film Noir classics and adds an extra dimension as well.
For an indie film with a small budget, these guys (girls!) really hit it out of the park. They took a chance and it really paid off. Trying to make a combination mystery/comedy is no easy task even for big-budget Hollywood studios, but they made it work.
Watch this one with a good Pinot Noir. That's my recommendation to you.
For an indie film with a small budget, these guys (girls!) really hit it out of the park. They took a chance and it really paid off. Trying to make a combination mystery/comedy is no easy task even for big-budget Hollywood studios, but they made it work.
Watch this one with a good Pinot Noir. That's my recommendation to you.
Great Black Comedy
lucasstamos13 February 2013
This movie is amazing. The Blackness in the comedy makes it a wonderful film. I can't believe people think so poorly of this movie. I have never seen such a great flick! It was a fun joyful ride with twists and turns. I saw this with my 80 year old dad and my 5 year old son and both they both hated it. I loved it SO MUCH! It was fun, saucy, intelligent, heartwarming, sexy, great, amazing, wonderful, awesome, and it had great characters. I wish I was in the movie because it was that good. The first half was amazing, but then it really started to ramp up into something incredible. I wish I could see it over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. I would recommend this film to fans of tom cruise, Michael bay, Samuel L Jackson, and Seth macfarlane.
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