The Delicate Art of the Rifle

This student film, which seems to appear only on IFC, has a beginning and an end that is rather boring. Where the film really explodes however is in the middle, when the lead's roommate starts shooting everyone at the University from the top of the dorm tower. The 40 or so minutes that take place on top of the roof are the real gem in this movie. The roommate, Walt, is played fervently by the writer, and every scene with him is fantastic. The beginning and end seem to be tacked on simply to extend the roof scene into a feature length picture, with only a slight plot thread about government agents linking it all together. The roof scene is worth it however, even if you have to spend the remainder of the movie with the exceedingly dull lead character. Note: IFC keeps saying that the movie takes place at the University of Texas, although no mention of this is made in the movie, and the campus used is definitely not UT. The only connection appears to be the name Walt Whitman, the roommate shooter, with Charles Whitman, the real life sniper who attacked students at UT in the 60's.

I can't figure out why this movie is still so obscure. No one I've ever asked has seen it, even in Austin, which is really strange considering that it's based on the Charles Whitman sniper shootings at UT. I saw it over four years ago, and still remember it strongly for it's dreamy surreal quality. The protagonist drifts through the day, encountering various campus characters with equal nonchalance. Even when he realizes that someone is putting holes in his soda with a high powered rifle he seems unfazed. It's definitely a very unique take on what was at the time (60's) one of the most violent and shocking episodes to occur at an American school. (The film actually takes place in the time which it was filmed, not the 60's).

A unique film, drenched in symbolism and dark humor. Moments of visual and narrative brilliance alternate with scenes that reveal the low-budget student film origins of the movie.

A nerdy college student is going through yet another routine day when a rooftop sniper opens fire, and then the student hears his roommate calling from the rooftop, inviting him to come up and join him...

David Grant, lead singer of the punk rock band Action Patrol, stars as the dweebish Jay. Stephen Grant (no relation) wrote the script and plays the role of the shooter. Sci-fi author John Kessel appears in the role of a loquacious professor.

I found this film on IFC recently as I was flipping channels and it caught my attention immediately and it really blew me away. The fact that it was made by a first-time writer, director, and mostly first-time actors was even more of a shock. Especially the writing and acting of Stephen Grant (who played Walt Whitman) was absolutely superb. He also bares a resemblance to the actual University of Texas at Austin shooter Charles Whitman of whom the film was based, which makes it all the more chilling (even though the film was set in current times and not 1966). The film has a very surreal feel to it which you can tell was achieved very carefully. Apparently some people say it runs too long but, being a person with a notoriously short attention span, I didn't find myself getting bored at any moment. I would definitely recommend it to any fan of independent film.

7/10.

Yet another fantastic movie that I can't find anywhere. If anyone knows where I can get a copy of it; let me know. I have 2 more lines to fill. Damn, this is a grrreat movie. You really ought to see it. You'll laugh till you pee your chones. College kids are annoying, but this movie isnt; Go figure.