Cinema Society

DUMBSTRUCK

Average
Rating

4.2

Tuesday, October 12, 2010, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12

5:00PM or 7:30pm (You Choose!)

DUMBSTRUCK, Auditorium 4 Only!

Discussion will follow screening

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

DUMBSTRUCK

At the annual Vent Haven Convention in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, ventriloquism capital of the world, director Mark Goffman discovers five extraordinary characters straight out of a Christopher Guest mockumentary. But in this delightful, it's-all-true documentary, the characters are real, and so are the emotional attachments that they have with their "dummies."

The film focuses on five 'vents', who are quirky enough to star in Christopher Guest's BEST IN SHOW. But they are real, and their stories are deeply human and universal:

Dylan, a shy 13-year-old who dreams of being a professional but whose dad prefers football; Kim, a former Miss Ohio beauty queen, who yearns to 'make it' on the cruise ship circuit; Dan, a successful cruise ship performer whose wife may divorce him when he comes ashore; Terry, who, after 22 years of struggle in Corsicana, Texas, finds himself on NBC's America's Got Talent with a chance to win $1 million; and Wilma -- all six-foot-five of her -- who brings her dummies to Walmart and 'entertains' in senior homes. With its heart firmly planted on its polyester sleeve, Dumbstruck takes the American dream sideways and never loses its way.

The film traverses the country from coast to coast, cruising the Mexican Riviera, Bahamas and Japan. We share in their successes and missteps, both on- and off-stage, as they strive in their own ways to achieve the American dream. The film is filled with music, laughter and a roller coaster of emotions, riding through the world of ventriloquism.

Not Rated

Running Time: 85 Minutes

Send a Comment

2-Nov-10: KD - Rating: 4

I enjoyed the movie, about a subject I knew nothing about. I was saddened to read online that Terry Fator and his wife had filed for divorce.

14-Oct-10: Mary - Rating: 5

Something wonderful happened to me at this movie. I went into the film knowing nothing and caring nothing about ventriloquism. I came out after enjoying this "small" great film knowing and caring a great deal about the characters and their world, and having an appreciation of their art. Topping the evening off with great guest speakers is why I've been a member of C.S. for all these years. Thanks, Andy

13-Oct-10: Mroe - Rating: 4

Though the subjects in the film were a little quirky to say the least they were also lovable, so much so that I really wanted to know how the rest of their lives turned out (Yeah for Kim!). It's these types of Documentaries that keep me coming back to this genre because there can be so much insight provided about an obscure subject such as ventriloquism, a not so popular hobby/job that would other wise go unnoticed or misunderstood.

13-Oct-10: JBP - Rating: 4

I thought the documentarians did a wonderful job capturing the passion these people had for their craft. I also enjoyed that it was done in a non-exploitative way with respect for their subjects. Still trying to figure out how your guest ventriloquist did his "dubbing" routine.

13-Oct-10: EBee - Rating: 4

What a treat. A quiet, little movie about the poignancy of people and what makes them happy. This was a true documentary and at times almost painful to watch. Seeing each person interact with their families, fans and friends and then their dummies left me with a feeling of how lonely and sad they were. Even Terry Fator’s story about his dad was a revelation. Kim, steeped in the beauty pageant world, seemed to be on the fringe and unhappy. A very, very interesting movie. Well shot and well paced. Thanks, Andy!

13-Oct-10: Georgi - Rating: 4

Now THIS was a documentary. The personal connection with each of the ventriloquists gave us a reason to keep on watching and learn about the art, the craft and the psychology behind these talented, if lonely, folks who use their dummies to make us smile, laugh and totally suspend disbelief. It is no wonder that the best among them possess real talent themselves and are entertaining on their own without their foils. Having been a Terry Fator fan from AGT and then seeing his show at a convention in Las Vegas, I felt a personal connection with him. But then, my dad was a Sherry Lewis fan from ages ago and I was always interested in ventroloquism. I would recommend this movie to anyone. Well made. Great looking. Fun to view AND educational. Terrific entertainment and discussion afterwards.

12-Oct-10: jh - Rating: 4

Excellent screenplay, cinematography, art direction, and editing. Would have been a "5" but Dan's wife wanted him to stay on the cruise ship.

12-Oct-10: RichG - Rating: 5

Thank you Andy. This was an unexpected jewel. It was sweet and poignant. Each character had their own story, hopes, desires and obstacles. The filmmakers allowed each tale to be told in a pace which fit the framework of the movie. At the end of the day the talent level of each VENT was not as important as the lives they exposed. Anybody who didn't like this film is a DUMMY. (Thanks to our friend Steve for that last line).