Review of Choking Man (2006) by Jeffrey O — 04 Dec 2008

Clearly influenced by Taxi Driver, and perhaps Punch-drunk Love, here's another film about an outsider who can't express himself, who looks likely to explode into violence, and who falls for a beautiful woman that is hopelessly out of his reach.

Unlike the dangerous protagonists of those two previous movies, this fellow actually goes to church and listens to the still, small voice of the spirit. So, when his mysterious roommate starts making dangerous suggestions, the suspense lies in wondering which counsel he will head: the devil at home, or the wisdom at church.

The cast is strong, and Mandy Patinkin is delightful in a small role. But some of the film's high-concept flourishes feel dissonant and distracting. An ambitious effort that makes me eager to see what Steve Barron does next.