Review of The Dark Backward (1991) by Jason D — 10 Mar 2009
At the ripe age of 14 (when I first saw this film), I was introduced to the world of the bizarre, and I never looked back. The Dark Backward is the very unique story (written and directed by Adam Rifkin at a very young age) about a failing comedian/garbage man, Marty, (Judd Nelson) who performs atrocious comedy bits at small, seedy clubs.
He's accompanied by his only friend Gus (Bill Paxton who, honestly, steals this movie away), a creepy and disgusting person who rides the coattails of Marty's success (or lack thereof). Things change for the both of them when Marty starts to develop a third arm on his back.
Soon, both men hook up with a talent agent (played hilariously by none other than Wayne Newton) and they start to take their show on the road, which is still pretty awful. This film is filled to the brim with hilarious and disgustingly bizarre moments that are eerily close to having a Tim Burton and David Lynch feel to them.
The film is fantastic and Paxton really DOES steal the movie away (especially with his creepy and disgusting character who has a penchant for morbidly obese women, consuming dog poo, and sexually assaulting dead women) from Nelson's character, who really should have been the heart of the story.
Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan, and Rob Lowe show up in the film as well, each one having an against type role from their usual line of work. I'm happy to see that, to this day, Nelson and Paxton still appreciate this movie and cherish it and are not embarrassed by it.
Truly a unique and original film.
This review of The Dark Backward (1991) was written by Jason D on 10 Mar 2009.
The Dark Backward has generally received positive reviews.
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