It Was You Charlie (2013)

A lonely graveyard-shift doorman has his life magically transformed after meeting a beautiful, free-spirited cab driver.

Director:

Emmanuel Shirinian

Writer:

Emmanuel Shirinian

Stars:

Michael D. Cohen, Emma Fleury, Aaron Abrams

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael D. Cohen	...	Abner
Emma Fleury	...	Zoe
Aaron Abrams	...	Tom
Anna Hopkins	...	Madeleine
Alon Nashman	...	Travis
Phyllis Ellis	...	Ethel
Mike Wilmot	...	Detective Powell
Theresa Tova	...	Sandra
Tony Rosato	...	Gus
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Henry Alessandroni	...	Manager
Gillian Bennett	...	Make out woman
Russell Bennett	...	Make out man
Alain Chanoine	...	Cop #2
Wayne Curnew	...	Mystery Man
Aaron Hale	...	Young Kid

Storyline

IT WAS YOU CHARLIE is a dark comedy-drama that tells the story of a lonely graveyard shift doorman named ABNER, a once-accomplished sculptor and former college art teacher, but now sadly, a mere shadow of his former self. He is heartbroken because of an unresolved conflict with his brother over a woman he once loved, and is at the same time consumed with guilt and suicidal thoughts as he remains profoundly haunted a year after a terrible car accident that took the life of the young woman in the other vehicle. After meeting ZOE, a young, free-spirited taxi driver, something magical happens to Abner as he begins a quest to seek redemption, and reconcile his conflicted past.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in 24x36: A Movie About Movie Posters (2016)

User Reviews

To view or not to view...its too late for me.

The movie has a beginning, a middle and an end...but not in that order. The filmmaker does not reveal much about the accident that starts the hero's journey until the end. It is necessary to make it through the whole picture to understand what he did that made him such a basket case, and, halfheartedly, looking to end his life. He tries to shoot himself in the bath tub and he tries to hang himself, but is interrupted by a taxi driver, who, for her own reasons, has taken an interest in him. Naturally, when she knocks, he answers with the noose still around his neck.

The story, of the last few years, is replayed in his head. From his failure in love to his failure in the accident he confronts the question of his own manhood and humanity. A minor subplot of sibling competition is explored and left unsatisfied, of parental differences also unsatisfied in a script by writer/director Emmanuel Shirinian in his first full-length film. I think he was not ready to take on this challenge...but in the future, who knows ?

That reads pretty good on paper and there is really no technical problems with the film or its cutting. It just did not do it for me. I liked the questions asked, but it did not sell me on the character of the hero/Abner (Michael D. Cohen). I found myself not caring about his story, in fact, he annoyed me. This is no reflection on Mr. Cohen as an actor. The character is just not likable. Outside of Mr. Cohen and a landlady/Ethel (Phyllis Ellis) who throws herself at Abner in a last ditch effort to get some comfort out of life that is not found at the bottom of a bottle, none of the other performances are note worthy.

It is advertised as a dark comedy, but although the subject matter is dark, the film is not dark and rarely funny.

I will give it four stars two for Michael D. Cohen, and two for Phyllis Ellis.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 March 2014 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

A71 Productions, Spiral Entertainment, Alone Together Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1