FILM INFO: When photographer Sean Wheeler inadvertently exposes a conservative talk show host's "little" secret, his already complicated life gets unhinged.
WRITTEN BY: Elias Plagianos DIRECTED BY: Elias Plagianos GENRE: Comedy, Drama TIME: 22 minutes.
Going into this production, I already figured the technicalities would be top notch. With a cast as experienced as "Shoot Me Nicely" boasts, I simply figured it would be a non-issue. I was correct. Without going into an entire rant about how great this title looks... let me just say it was every bit as good as I thought it would be. So what's left to write about? For starters, let me cement one thing into place. This is a funny short film. Not funny in a slapstick kind of way, akin to The Three Stooges, but funny in a situational kind of way. To be fair, there are some great visual gags... especially early on... but we'll just leave that alone for a time. My point is that Elias Plagianos, who wrote and directed among other things, knows how to set up an amusing situation. He knows how to plant those seeds. The ones capable of so much fun and entertainment slightly down the road. At least... as far as I'm concerned he does. For a film that is not a dumb, ridiculous never happen comedy, I sure chuckled along as it progressed - like it was just that. Did I mention that "Shoot Me Nicely" wasn't just funny - but also entertaining? I think I did, but will write it again. Sean Wheeler, commonly known as simply "Wheeler" is a photographer played nicely by John Behlmann. It's hinted, that at one time he wanted so much more from his career in photography, but now resorts to paparazzi styled business dealings. It does pay the bills after all. Sort of. Anyhow, after slinking his way into a money worthy shot of a celebrity politician, and then getting requested to do a high profile gig... Wheeler thinks maybe his luck has begun to turn around. And then, as one would expect, the world shifts and he's up that proverbial creek without a paddle again. Perhaps things would have been different, had he made different choices? Actually... there's no "perhaps" about it. "Shoot Me Nicely" is all about what happens when you make the wrong decisions. Karma is a bitch they say. They are right. Speaking of life choices, I couldn't help but think if there really was a message hidden under the comedic antics of our characters, it would be "choice" related. "Shoot Me Nicely" is a perfect example of how "not" to live your life. Through the safe eyes of another, we see first hand what happens when you become the literal A-Hole. This feeling however, is a thin veil. The reality is probably a lot simpler. "Shoot Me Nicely" would not be as entertaining as it was - if our leading character were Ward Cleaver. At the same time, Wheeler is still a likable dude and also comes across as a guy doing what he needs to do. A fine line to traverse for any character or actor. A likable douche-bag... so to speak. As a matter of fact? The only seemingly normal character is played by Linda Hamilton. Her portrayal of Layla, a businesswoman who clearly wants to make some money, but is otherwise a decent person, felt pretty spot on. What's wrong with making a living? Hamilton actually had my favorite line in the film, just before the end credits. Everyone other character however, has something to hide... some massive character flaw... or is simply just as shady as Wheeler himself can be. Don't even get me started on Sadler's character. Some of this stuff you'll just have to see for yourself. These massive character flaws, for all the cast, are a very important element in the writing. They seem to off-set the faults of our leading character, making him much more likable than he would normally be labelled. And... if I haven't wrote it above let me do it now, these sketchy people are what allows for the comedy. Make no mistake. The antics of these over-the-top characters are what makes this a good film. No question about that. Overall... in case you hadn't guessed... I really enjoyed this. Probably one of the top three indie shorts I've seen this year. It should be noted that although I continue to call this a film, it's actually the pilot for a television series. So yes, it does have a rather open ending. That really doesn't matter though. Essentially, the story is not that deep. It's light, airy and flows for the sake of flowing. Even if another episode is never made, "Shoot Me Nicely" stands as an excellent short film... with an ending that begs for a sequel. If more episodes are created, I truly see a winning formula here. In the end, this easily earns my personal rating. In my books anyhow. Bravo ladies and gents. We have a winner.
