Choking Man (2006)

The social anxiety of a morbidly shy Ecuadorian dishwasher working in a Queens diner provides the psychological engine that powers this blend of drama and magical realism.

Director:

Steve Barron

Writer:

Steve Barron

Stars:

Octavio Gómez Berríos, Eugenia Yuan, Mandy Patinkin

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Octavio Gómez Berríos	...	Jorge
Eugenia Yuan	...	Amy
Mandy Patinkin	...	Rick
Aaron Paul	...	Jerry
Kate Buddeke	...	Terri
Philippe Brenninkmeyer	...	Dutch Man
Rupak Ginn	...	Din
Al Roffe	...	Chef
Mando Alvarado	...	Stand-In Chef
Paolo Andino	...	Choking Man
Russell G. Jones	...	Subway Man
Philip Levy	...	Middle-Aged Customer
John Anthony Ferrara	...	Spoiled Brat
Ruth Yaffe	...	Female Diner (as Ruth Jaffe)
Mitchell Greenberg	...	Gene

Storyline

Choking Man is an intense blend of psychological drama and magical realism that encapsulates the contemporary immigrant experience in America. Jorge is a morbidly shy Ecuadorian dishwasher toiling away in a shabby Jamaica, Queens, New York diner run by Rick. He works all day long in the shadow of the ever-present Heimlich Maneuver instruction poster which hangs in the diner kitchen. From his solitary kitchen corner, Jorge gropes mutely for a bond with Amy, the newly hired Chinese waitress and even though she tries to reciprocate, the gulf that separates them may be too large. On the job he is continually tormented by his coworker Jerry and at home in his Harlem boarding, under the psychological control of his domineering 'roomate,' he battles his inner demons. Set in the vicinity of JFK airport, the most culturally diverse neighborhood in the world, Choking Man captures the feeling of claustrophobia and almost literal asphyxiation newcomers to America experience as they struggle to ...

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Plot Keywords:

ecuadorian | social anxiety | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

14 November 2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

Lanchonete Olympia

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,189, 2 November 2007, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$4,189, 2 November 2007

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ghost Robot,Riley Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Hot Knife
Brian Scibinico

User Reviews

Unpretentious story that advances slowly but assuredly to an anti-climax

A simple story of an Ecuadorian young man earning a living as a dishwasher at a diner in Queens, New York. Above the dishwashing station, a standard poster on how to deal with a choking person. The young man sees that everyday and it becomes clear that this will have a part to play somewhere.

Among other characters, an American cook and an oriental waitress complete a sort of potential love triangle. Much of the film is spent around the trio and life at the diner. Near the end, if feels a tad too long, but be patient. What's cute about the plot is that the ending is amusingly anti-climatic. You'll have to see for yourself.

A true American indie. Done with a US$400K budget.