Gary Shand. The world’s unluckiest guy.
The Limelight (2012) – It’s absolutely amazing what a budget of around $79k can produce. Glen Maney‘s The Limelight is a film that follows comedian Gary Shand through his struggle to make it as a top level comedian with the constant battling of depression, alcoholism, failing interpersonal relationships, and contemplation of suicide. The film is the directorial debut of Maney and John Robson. Maney–with a shoestring budget–successfully depicts a realistic portrayal of situations where laughter isn’t always the best medicine.
Maney stars as “Gary Shand,” a struggling circuit comedian just trying to catch a break. His landlord (Jay Sodagar) is constantly on him about his rent; his ex-wife for proper financial support for their kids; and his boss comedian Ricky Grover as Al Moran–the mean spirited manager of the comedy club where he subjects Gary to ridicule; the stresses of the success or failures of his club–and without paying him for the trouble. Additionally, Patrick Monahan‘s character Sean Bollinger, a fellow comedian, who uses Gary’s own material during his stage performances, and, according to Al, with a better comedic effect.
With nowhere to turn, Gary finds solace in his local pub and a local barman, Adrian (Mark Manero), who is there to lend him an ear or a shoulder to cry on. It is in the exchange between the two where you truly get an idea into Gary’s intense list of personal problems and watching as he struggles to battle alcoholism. Gary Shand. A man who is consistently down on his luck–tries to end his life–only to find that he isn’t very good at doing that, either.
Life as comedy.
With watching the film, you find it really hard to criticize Maney’s character, who hasn’t had a difficult time in trying to manage the difficulties of life solely on their own. What more, Maney’s performance provides “the funny side” of alcoholism and suicide. As far as the cinematic appearance of the film–it’s easily discernible that it was shot on a limited budget; however, it is the clever writing and true to life content of the film which makes it worth watching. There are also a few moments in the film that are in poor taste and is difficult to describe; which is something you will just have to see for yourself and certainly does add to the film’s realistic effect. The film’s musical score serve to amplify Gary’s more tragic moments, and in the end, just when things were beginning to look up–that his character suffers the unfortunate side of his newly found fame.
The Limelight reveals to the audience the environment and society of professional comedians; how they engage with one another, their methods of communication, and even their unique way of thinking. The film centers around Maney’s issues brought up as he tries to become a comedy star, as well as the other main characters. While the overall dialogue of the film is hilarious, it is important to note the audience can relate with the main character’s situation within a world where one must maintain a comedic composure at all times, and how sometimes the realities of life seem to often get in the way.
What if comedy is your drug?
The Limelight film was received as a courtesy of Glen Maney and is available for purchase at film website.
Source: The Limelight Movie
AIDY
Latest posts by AIDY (see all)
- DVD Review: DARK CIRCLES - 05/24/2013
- PUSSY RIOT: A PUNK PRAYER Coming Exclusively to HBO in June - 05/23/2013
- DVD Review: Pacino, Walken, Arkin in STAND UP GUYS - 05/21/2013
Check Out:
- Mary and Max (2009) – Review Mary and Max (2009) is a tale of friendship between...
- Take Me Home Tonight – Review A film about three friends on the verge of adulthood...
- Rubber – Review Rubber is the story of Robert, an inanimate tire that...
- Tyrannosaur – Review The good and bad. Tyrannosaur (2011) is British actor Paddy...
Great little review. I also agree that the budget restraints are clear but the story and laughs more than make up for this. I sincerely hope we see more productions from this team. Given a bigger budget they could really go far with their next feature film.
Really looking forward to seeing where they go next.
Can’t recommend this film enough.
For some, just glancing over the film and seeing how it was obviously created on a small budget may deter them from watching. However, this is a film that will leave an impact on that method of thinking and hopefully motivate that same viewer (and others) to check out more low-budget films.
I do hope “The Limelight” is successful so the studio can produce more films. I’d certainly be willing to watch those as well!
Aidy recently posted..Christian Petzold’s ‘Yella’ – Review
I think the budget, is a glaring problem, but to help get his movie out there he needs to cut a better trailer, because it doesn’t sell the film at all and actually the trailer is really hard to sit through…
Mavi recently posted..Films of 2012 (so far) Part I
I have done a review of this film for Imdb and Mavi’s comment shows just why the world of film is so enthralling. We all have such different opinions.
Having just watched the film again I don’t see the budget as a glaring problem at all.If you watch is as a simple member of the public and not a DOP, you’ll see that it’s one of the finest British dark comedies in years or well up there and the reason I didn’t put too much store on the production values was because I was laughing so hard.
I wonder if Mavi has actually watched the film? The trailer if I’m being critical certainly could be a bit shorter but it left me wanting to see more and was mildly amusing.I certainly can’t see how it’s hard to sit through.Horses for courses I guess.
I’d recommend this micro budget offering to anyone who loves their comedy and who loves their comedy dark.
Excellent.
I absolutely enjoyed ‘Limelight.’ Of course there are the obvious flaws that are noticeable with low budgets however, the writing is absolutely brilliant! I loved the length of the trailer! I guess it is because I seen the film before the trailer.
The trailer serves as a promo. So what if it is a bit longer than it may need to be? The film is fantastic and if I had the moolah I would totally talk it over with Manley and Robson about freshening it up a bit.
Not saying that the end result of a low budget feature was bad; it is quite the opposite. It is awesome!
AIDY recently posted..The Tree Of Life – Review
Isn’t funny how people see things differently? That’s what I love about film.
For me the budget and resulting production values weren’t a problem because to be honest I was too busy laughing.
I thought the script was great,the performances of the lead and of Ricky Grover were good and ably supported by the rest of the cast and whilst someone looking purely for production values would be able to pick the film apart,I’d say it was one of the best black comedies I’ve seen in many a year.I really rate it that highly.
The trailer? If I had a slight criticism I’d say it was a tad long but I certainly can’t see how anyone would find it hard to sit through.Just goes to show I guess.We all look at things differently.
I’d say it’s a must see if you like your comedy dark.
I agree. Budget aside, it is a really good film.
AIDY recently posted..Blu-ray™ Review – Zhang Yimou’s ‘The Flowers of War’
Without doubt one of the funniest low budget comedies I’ve ever seen.
If production values were better I’d have said it was five stars but agree with your rating because of the poor production values in places.
Wicked little film.
Indeed, a wicked little film. Thanks for commenting Danny!
AIDY recently posted..The Magic Gloves – Review