P.S. YOUR CAT IS DEAD
Directed by: Steve Guttenberg.
Produced by: Kyle Clark & Guttenberg.
Written by: Jeff Korn, Michael Bell & Guttenberg, based on the novel and play by James Kirkwood.
Director of Photography: David A. Armstrong.
Edited by: Derek Vaughn.
Music by: Dean Grinsfelder.
Released by: TLA Releasing.
Country of Origin: USA. 92 min. Rated: R.
With: Steve Guttenberg, Lombardo Boyar, Cynthia Watros & Shirley Knight.
DVD Features: Commentary by Guttenberg, Boyar, Watros & Korn. Additional Footage: Behind the Scenes Interviews, Alternate Ending. Trailers.

Actor Steve Guttenberg’s directorial debut, based on the ‘70’s play of the same name, is a dark comedy about a down and out actor/writer, Jimmy Zoole, on the worst night of his life. It’s New Year’s Eve, his girlfriend (Watros) is leaving him, his best friend has recently passed away, his terrible one man Hamlet (with puppets) has closed, he’s been robbed twice and...his cat is dead. Lacking subtlety, Guttenberg’s acting is way over the top, but the playful closing credits redeem the film. The film’s obviously a labor of love. Why else would anyone remake an okay play of the unimpressive ‘70’s? The best performance is given by Lombardo Boyar as Eddie the thief. Zoole catches him robbing the apartment and after knocking him out, he hog-ties him to the kitchen sink for a night of torture. Even with the constraints, Boyar never pushes but is truthful and specific in his portrayal. The jazz score is also a highlight and the choice of the Culture Club’s version of “Crystal Blue Persuasion” is wonderful. However, why does a struggling actor live in such a spectacular loft? Jimmy does have a rich aunt who supports him, but we’re talkin’ deluxe--a place that would cost a fortune on anybody’s terms. And for someone who’s depressed the apartment is immaculate. And why can’t art directors distress their props and costumes? After climbing in the apartment through a skylight, Eddie is clean and pressed. Where are the character details that bring characters to life? Overall, a good rental: it would appeal to those who go to every neurotic comedy of Woody Allen.

Maggie Low, Actress (Law & Order, Postcards From America, and Hamlet (New Jersey Shakespeare Festival) with Jared Harris, Richard Harris and Lili Taylor

DVD Special Features: Oddly, the running commentary is more amusing and spontaneous than the film itself, especially when the continuity errors are pointed out and a cast member is dissed. Viewing the behind the scenes promo and the maudlin alternative ending are strictly optional. KT
October 6, 2003