The Dark Backward

source: The Dark Backward

Trailer—The Dark Backward

The Dark Backward

OK, fans, it's out on DVD. But the only reason to watch this is 1) to say you did (due to its notoriety), or 2) if you're a hardcore Bill Paxton fan. I am not a hardcore BP fan but he was fun to watch and it was the only thing that kept me from turning this off from sheer boredom. It's a shame, because this could have been a good movie with some script work and if made by someone with some intelligence (and with a cast led by someone besides the totally miscast and talentless Judd Nelson). Sure it's gross, but it's BAD, and not in a good way. If after reading all the comments on how bizarrely revolting and dystopianly filthy this movie is you are still interested, do yourself a favor and see some GOOD bizarre revolting dystopian filth instead. Films by John Waters, David Lynch, Peter Jackson's "Braindead", Henenlotter's "Basket Case", etc., all come to mind. There's lots better out there.

Wow, what can you say about a movie that features necrophilia (implied), 3 600+ pound women in lingerie, everything covered with a layer of dirt, slime, goo, etc., and Wayne Newton?? This movie is definately not going to appeal to everyone. In fact, when I pop this baby into the VCR for my friends, it's about a 50/50 split on love/hate. I mainly got it becuase the makeup effects were done by Tony Gardner. Admittedly, there are a few places the movie drags no, but overall I enjoyed this movie about a garbageman by day, a terribly unfunny comedian by night, who grows a third arm (on his back no less). Bill Paxton is great as his trashy/opportunistic buddy and the scene of him in bed with 3 extremely large womn in lingerie....has to be seen to be believed... Another of those in my video collection that I'm careful about showing to friends...that whole love/hate thing and all...

Okay, the first time I watched this thing on videotape at a friend's house, I was annoyed beyond words. I didn't even finish it. A few years later it was playing at a repertory theater nearby & for some twisted reason I decided to give it another go, this time on the big screen. And I absolutely love the film now. Maybe my tolerance for the absolutely bizarre grew by leaps or my mind opened up much more than it really should, but this blacker-than-Satan's-heart-on-a-bad-day comedy had me in awe at the absurdity present and nearly in a fetal-position in the aisle laughing my guts out. Crispin Glover may not appear in it, but fans of his MUST see this. Mainstream definitely does not apply in any way, shape, or form here. Oh, and prepare to be offended. Many times.

Yes. What can I say. I liked this movie. Slimey, sleazy, often crude but kept me interested. It's the kind of movie you feel you need a shower after. The plot is bizarre. The cast are just right. Bill Paxton is superb! Can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

THE DARK BACKWARD is an unusual little black comedy starring Judd Nelson as a nerdy character trying to kick start a career in stand up comedy. It doesn't go well for him, until one day when he randomly starts growing a third arm from his back. The subsequent story that plays out is extremely over the top and quite simple, with an emphasis on the bizarre and slapstick throughout. A series of random cameos from the likes of James Caan, Lara Flynn Boyle, Claudia Christian, and Rob Lowe helps to keep this ticking over, but the real reason to tune in is the excellent Bill Paxton in one of his craziest, grimiest, most outrageous turns as Nelson's accordion-playing buddy.

This movie is creepy and amazing. It's like an overlong Liquid Television sketch. The actors, the sets, everything looks dirty and depressing. Bil Paxton is never clean, Jud Nelson never stops sweating, Laura Flynn Boyle never looks happy, and the town never has sunlight. It'll throw you off if not prepared, but honestly, it's a great movie. It makes no sense, except in the world it created, and that's the beauty of it. This movie is great.

This movie has no heart and no soul; it's an attempt to whomp up a cult film out of the leavings of other, better, directors, principally David Lynch and Tim Burton. Rifkin seems to think that if he overloads on a kind of rotted visual style and fills the street with crud and garbage, he's making a statement. But it's not a statement ABOUT anything -- except the director's shrill shriek of "HEY LOOK AT ME! I'M AN ARTIST, TOO." But he doesn't have the imagination of an artist, just a good memory for things that worked -- such as some of the actors trapped in this -- for other directors. All of this would be almost acceptable if this movie was not a turgid, boring chore to sit through.