The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)

An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.

Director:

Lee Kirk

Writer:

Lee Kirk

Stars:

Jenna Fischer, Chris Messina, Topher Grace

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jenna Fischer	...	Janice
Chris Messina	...	Tim
Malin Akerman	...	Jill
Rich Sommer	...	Brian
Lucy Punch	...	Pauline
Topher Grace	...	Doug
Bob Odenkirk	...	Mark
Travis Schuldt	...	Hal Baker
Valentine Miele	...	Mahoney
Sean Gunn	...	George
Greg Trzaskoma	...	Craig
Eddie Ebell	...	Mitch
Chase Kim	...	Mitch's Sidekick
Sarab Kamoo	...	Sonia
John Cabrera	...	Toby

Storyline

An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.

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Plot Keywords:

mechanical man | temporary job | mime | stilts | stage makeup | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jenna Fischer (Janice) guest starred on That 70s Show in which Topher Grace (Doug) stars in.

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Goofs

When Janice's sister and brother-in-law are leaving the restaurant on the double-date, Janice's brother-in-law accidentally leaves with a dinner napkin under his coat.

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Quotes

Doug: Hey, if I wanted to kiss you, I would say, "I want to kiss you." Simple. Just like that.

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Crazy Credits

After the credits have finished there is a bonus scene from a Doug seminar where he compares the span of a conversation to the 4 quarters of American Football.

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Connections

References Three's Company (1976)

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Soundtracks

Our Bleeding Hearts
Written by Rachel Stolte & Solon Bixler
Performed by Great Northern

User Reviews

Intelligent, Sweet, But Non-Commercial

I like indie films about people, that are based upon dialogue and setting. It helps if they are not mainstream characters. So for me, this one was a gem.

I am not familiar with this Chris Messina actor, but he nailed his role. Maybe he used a piece of himself to sculpt the character or maybe he just intuitively understood him. Either way, he was a joy to watch.

I was worried that it was going to drift into the dangerous waters of mocking mainstream people. It didn't really, although there is one scene that bordered on that.

I don't think these lost-soul characters were jealous of others or even resentful. That's what I loved. They realized that they were dancing to the beat of their own drummer.

The male lead especially was for the most part resigned to his fate. Like another reviewer so adeptly pointed out: he was already doing what he wanted to do. The girl was not as comfortable with herself.

Jenna Fischer is interesting, because she is mostly deadpan, in The Office and this movie, and she is almost hot in both too. If she was a bit hotter, you would not picture her as a loner.

Topher Grace delivers his standard blend of underplayed sarcasm and underdog wit. I enjoyed him, and I think that someone who is not familiar with his routine, would enjoy him even more if this is their first time.

Hats off to the writer Lee Kirk. The dialogue in the T.V. interview scene is excellent, as is the exchange when the ex girlfriend apologizes. Impressive wording and spot-on delivery.

I don't think this film was trying to slam you over the head with a message that people are on a mindless merry-go-round. I think it was just showing you that there are some people out there who move at their own pace and want less out of life.

This point was not brought up, but such people might find peace in Western Europe...or at least before immigration and bankruptcy changed it. If you're not ambitious and you're into art or long walks, Europe might work for you.

I wouldn't want America to become like Europe, because the world needs America to be ambitious and morally focused. But I can see where quiet loners would fit better in Europe.

Details

Country:

USA Poland

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Giant Mechanical Man

Filming Locations:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,789, 29 April 2012

Gross USA:

$7,396

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,396

Company Credits

Production Co:

Votiv Films, ITS Capital, Taggart Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Color:

Color