Year:
2000
Studio:
Lions Gate Entertainment/
View Askey Productions
Movie:
4/5
DVD:
3/5
Movie
Will Carlson (Brian O'Halloran) is a down and out clown -- low paying
gigs, living in a rathole apartment with transients on the front lawn,
a mother who constantly criticizes and lives in a nursing home. One day
he has an idea: bachelor party gags. Unfortunately, the first gig turns
out badly, very badly, suicidally badly even. But just when life is at
its lowest, Karma strikes and things start looking up for Will. Until
his past comes back to haunt him.
There are a whole lot of movies made each year. Some get wide
theatrical releases and make the top ten list for a particular week or
weeks. Others are independent films with limited releases (if that) and
limited appeal. One thing about independent films, they're made by
people really dedicated who put up with a lot of problems and hassle to
get their dream on film and produced.
"Vulgar" is one such independent film. Frankly, I would have never even
heard of it if I hadn't been cruising the View Askew web site one day
(and since I rarely go there, it was a fortunate coincidence). The
thing about independent films is their unpolished look, they have rough
edges. It's hard to look professional without a budget, but it also
means you have to concentrate on things you can control like the story.
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Actors
Brian O'Halloran is not a great actor but he holds his own. The
supporting cast does a manageable job without bungling things.
DVD
"Judge Not, In the Defense of Dogma" is a 37-minute segment where Kevin
Smith and others talk about Dogma. This segment has nothing to do with
"Vulgar" but it's interesting. There are six deleted scenes, though
none are all that great. The photo gallery has very small photos. Film
Festival Responses are five rejection letters from various film
festivals. Slamdance has a great response letter that is quite funny.
The rest are rather boring and businesslike.
Recommendations
It's a nicely made movie with a really disturbing plot point.
Commentary would have helped as I think that commentaries from
independent film makers are quite valuable, especially if you're
interested in making a movie. I think it's a movie worth seeing.
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