8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Gabe The Director, January 23, 2005
This review is from: Fishing With Gandhi (DVD)
Thank you so much for all the kind words! As you may have noticed, we're running a little short of DVDs at the moment. We should have more this summer ('05) at reasonable prices. We'll also be selling DVDs of the sequel to FWG, "Cow Monkey." In the meantime, if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out James, John, and Dan in their sketch group Kasper Hauser.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
On the Road Again, for the First Time..., February 14, 2002
This review is from: Fishing With Gandhi (DVD)
This is a film that almost defies description; and it really has to be seen to be appreciated. It's a page out of real life, a portrait of Americana which, like life, is best when experienced first hand. It's "Fishing With Gandhi," a biting bit of satire written by William Birdthistle, James Reichmuth, John Reichmuth and Gabe Weisert, and directed by Gabe Weisert. It's a film that grabs you by the ears and demands attention; about ten minutes into it, you get the feeling that you're sitting in a bar, eavesdropping on the conversation of the guys at the next table. And it's the kind of stuff you've heard every day of your life if you've ventured out your own front door for any period of time, especially in certain quarters of society, like maybe a place called the "Silver Dollar Saloon" or "The Roadhouse Bar and Grill." Because these are regular folks, engaged in the kind of inane prattle that make up a good part of the conversations you're likely to hear in the above mentioned venues, or if you've ever worked in such places as a warehouse, on the dock at the post office, at a concrete factory or in a quarry. But you also get a taste of the flip side of that coin-- and which you find is not all that different-- in those involved with the likes of Investment Banking or simply cultivating a garden.
The story, such as it is, follows Danno (Dan Klein), who is hitchhiking from Seattle (where his mother has just married his uncle) to his home somewhere in California. When he hits Oregon, he scores a ride with Gil (John Reichmuth) and Roy (James Reichmuth), two good ol' boys with a pickup truck that breaks down every few miles, which is okay, because it gives them time to talk. Meanwhile, waiting for Danno at home are his roommates, Giles (William Birdthistle) and Stephen (Gabe Weisert), who, thinking Danno is probably on a real downer because of the Seattle thing, plan to cheer him up by throwing a pot luck for him upon his return, complete with streamers, which will give it all a festive look. Now, if only any of them had some friends to invite. And, more importantly, if they only knew when, exactly, Danno would be arriving. It's a complicated time for Giles and Stephen, who so want to do the right thing, while unbeknownst to them Danno is involved with two of the most uncomplicated guys you'll ever run into-- and from whom he'll learn much before he gets home, including what Gil and Roy refer to as the "Fishing With Gandhi."
The portrayals of Gil and Roy are so authentic it's almost frightening; and whether you live in Oregon, or Iowa, or Texas or just about anywhere else, the chances are pretty good that you know these guys, or at least know someone who lives next door to them. And as they speak their little philosophies about things like diseases you can pick up from dogs, how many different ways you can die in your sleep (152) or what the best wrestling moves are (complete with a demonstration), you slowly begin to realize that if Beavis and Butthead were real and grown up, they would be Gil and Roy. Think about it. Ever known anyone who lived for that next bottle of beer and never had a conversation that didn't include something about Steelhead fishing or gutting an animal? Well, come on over and spend some time on the road with Gil and Roy. By the way, truck driving IS serious business. Just ask Roy; he's the one who flunked out of truckers school.
Switching gears, Weisert cuts to Giles and Stephen, men of a more refined palate, but whom (as we also quickly discern) do not have a clue. About anything. How the world works, how to conduct themselves socially, how to throw a pot luck. So there's two facets of society represented here, either/or to which you will be able to relate, or at least be able to identify. And the way Weisert puts you in the room-- or in the truck-- with these guys, it's like he picked them out, set the camera up in their proximity and just let it roll. it's banal, it's boring-- and it's hysterically real. If you try to analyze it, there's nothing here of real interest, and yet this film is absolutely engrossing; a true character study filled with insights into human nature that are bound to cause some reflection on the part of even the most jaded viewer. "Fishing With Gandhi" is that kind of film. It takes you down the road and says, "Here it is, brother," for better or worse, take it or leave it. It's unique; it's an oddity; it's quirky; and it's definitely not for everyone. But for those who are ready for something completely different and want a challenge and some laughs, this one's worth checking out. It's all a part of the magic of the movies.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This flick gives indie movies a good name..., January 17, 2002
This review is from: Fishing With Gandhi (DVD)
If you're reading this review, at least you've found one of the funnier titles that are available on DVD (I realize how big of a compliment that is).
While there is a plot to the film, that's not as big of an element of interest as is the character development and dialogue. The plot involves two sets of people tied together by the protagonist. Our hero is a guy who seems to be a calming influence in whatever situation he finds himself. For most of the film, he is hitchhiking back to Seattle with some identical twins. This plotline serves up some of the most hilarious moments of the film, including the title line (which you have to wait 'til the end for, but it's well worth it).
Much of the dialogue seems to be improvised, though probably does follow some basic form. There are also amusing moments where it seems that one of the actor's impromptu lines send the other cast members into real-life laughter. What would be an outtake in a Hollywood film remains in this low-budget project, but it's cool when the audience can see into the film a little deeper than just the surface (at least I like the realness of seeing them laugh spontaneously and slightly out of character).
The other subplot involves the hitchhiker's roomates and friends. Most of these folks are highly neurotic and badly in need of the balanced domestic situation normally provided by their absent roomie. There are some great characters here, including the really perky workout guy that's really annoying and you invite to parties because you feel obligated to, and also the pseudo-intellectual, quirky chic who has spent too much time in grad school and not enough time actually living life.
If you're like me, you'll spend a lot of time laughing at this film. Don't expect Hollywood polish by any means, but that's one of the charming things about _Fishing_With_Ghandi_.
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