The Jimmy Show A real loser-festival, and star/director Frank Whaley (brilliant character actor from a number of Oliver Stone films) made this labor of love/hate to the Garden State. Made in 2001 in the wonderful N. Jersey and Staten Island area, a dreary and understated work about a working stiff named Jimmy O'Brien who marries his high school sweetheart (Carla Gugino is touching) and works a series of sh#t jobs (which he is just not able to do). He cares for his grandmother in a wheelchair and lives in her home with his wife and new born baby girl. Jimmy has the idea to become a stand-up comic by getting an open mike spot.
Frank Whaley's indie film is inspired by the world of Bruce Springsteen's poetic songs (the soundtrack is composed by brother Robert Whaley) and the dead end existence of white working class males. Jimmy's try at stand-up comedy is sad, he rants anger and pain without a laugh. He tells his life story on stage to a hostile and bored audience. His wife is now going to leave him, and his grandma is dying.
One of the most watchable films to come out of Jersey, not for it's boldness but for it's intent to show life as an abandoned car on the side of the road. The ending is surprisingly uplifting and full of hope. Whaley is a rare talent and a good storyteller. Rent it today and feel like sh#t.
Frank Whaley's indie film is inspired by the world of Bruce Springsteen's poetic songs (the soundtrack is composed by brother Robert Whaley) and the dead end existence of white working class males. Jimmy's try at stand-up comedy is sad, he rants anger and pain without a laugh. He tells his life story on stage to a hostile and bored audience. His wife is now going to leave him, and his grandma is dying.
One of the most watchable films to come out of Jersey, not for it's boldness but for it's intent to show life as an abandoned car on the side of the road. The ending is surprisingly uplifting and full of hope. Whaley is a rare talent and a good storyteller. Rent it today and feel like sh#t.