The Waiter

THE WAITER was a SOLID film with a great and recognizable cast that delivered amazing performances. Totally an underdog that surprised me. I was also impressed with this new writer/director JASON KONOPISOS, I've never heard of this dude but he sure as hell did an excellent job with making the film. Especially after I read about all of the obstacles they faced during the production of the film, I'm amazed with the result. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more of this guy's work. Not only does this movie serves it's pure purpose with entertainment but it's interesting as well cause it makes you think. Which this kind of genre of film sometimes lacks, but not THE WAITER.

Several months ago an article caught my eye in the Chronicle, it was a showcase of Charles Durning and being a huge fan of Attica and Dog Day I read on. From this article an interest in a locally produced independent film spawned and I have followed that film for quite some time. I am a student of cinema and often I take great interest in the beginning works of directors. I was able to view the film and converse with the director and found it quite refreshing for the budget. He asked that I not repeat the budget, so I will honor that request. However, I will say that the accomplishment of producing this film is in relevant terms one of brilliance. Yes, the film has some faults, but I would have to give many of them a pass due to the limited funds. To those true cinephiles and beginning film directors I would highly recommend you view this film.

Don't let the studio looks or stars fool you. The Waiter is a labor of love "indie" style. Shot outside the confines of LA and overblown budgets of the millions with similar results...this LOW six figure production takes...and clearly makes it's mark with a stellar cast (unheard of for the budget constraints) and helmed by the very able Producers including Jason Konopisos on his Directorial debut. With his remarkable and seasoned crew, Mr. Konopisos takes the audience on a journey into the viceral elements of the human soul. "The Waiter's" crippled take on redemption through the eyes of this true anti-hero is one only Dante could relate to in the midst of Purgatory. A sweet blend of mythology and modern Western society. Joseph Campbell fans...this is a must see. Filmmakers...this is a true lesson in making an indie film.

Let me just say that if Entertainment Tonight got wind of the budget of this film and the cast it has and the story it tells, they would be running to do interviews with the people behind it. Most every commercial you see has a bigger budget than this film but not a fraction of the entertainment value. I think if it was marketed right it could become one of the biggest profit margins in movie history and people would look back and say, "The Waiter" pioneered in a new era in movie making.

What I really love about the film itself is the way you need to think while you are watching it. If you are one of those mindless zombie types watching a movie, this may not be the film for you. This movie is so deep on so many different levels. It's one of those movies that you will catch something different every time you watch it. I can't wait to see it in the theater again like I did at the World Premiere in Houston.

Props for doing what you love to the writer, director and lead but to be perfectly honest, this effort totally stinks. Bad acting. Bad editing. Bad writing and a bad movie. I can't believe I'm still watching it after 45 minutes. There is no story and the lead is flat. Very flat. Even the camera work stinks. I wish I could find one redeeming quality but I can't. Waste of $1,000,000. Sigh. At least the rental was only .50 cents. Ok, here's one good thing to learn from this. How not to make a movie.