Shoot or Be Shot is a low-budget independent film that premiered in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota on January 25, 2002.[1] This comedy film satirizes the filmmaking movement Dogme 95.[2] The idea for the film was inspired by The Producers and An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn.[3]
| Shoot or Be Shot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | J. Randall Argue |
| Screenplay by | J. Randall Argue Steve Catanzaro Alistair Salton |
| Produced by | J. Randall Argue Ralph Linhardt Michael Tarzian Ralph Winter |
| Starring | William Shatner Harry Hamlin Scott Rinker Julianne Christie Marcus Ashley |
| Cinematography | Ralph Linhardt |
| Edited by | Tom Dignan Rich Mikan |
| Music by | Joseph Alfuso |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Shoot or Be Shot has a runtime of 90 minutes and was directed by J. Randall Argue.[4] At the time of the film's theatrical release, two other films Shatner was involved with were nearing their release dates: Showtime, in which he acted as himself, and Groom Lake, which he directed.[5]
Premise
editWilliam Shatner stars in the film as Harvey Wilkes, a patient who escapes from a psychiatric hospital to a desert, kidnaps a film crew there, and forces them to make a movie.[6]
Release and reception
editShoot or Be Shot was released on DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in May 2004.[7] Ian Jane of DVD Talk gave the film a negative review, saying that the film is "just not funny".[8] Michelle Fajkus of Hybrid Cinema, who also gave the film a negative review, wrote that the film promotes stereotypes with its use of stock characters, such as the dumb blonde.[9] Jeff Strickler of the Star Tribune called the film "a low-rent version of Bowfinger".[10]
References
edit- ^ "Shatner and Hamlin Join Forces for a Parody Film". San Jose Mercury News. January 27, 2002. p. 2A.
- ^ Matthew Tobey (2014). "Shoot or Be Shot". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ "At Least 'Shoot' has a Hair Trigger". St. Paul Pioneer Press. January 25, 2002. p. E3.
- ^ Marjorie Baumgarten (January 25, 2002). "Shoot or Be Shot". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ Larry King (February 21, 2002). "Interview with William Shatner". Larry King Live. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ William Shatner; David Fisher (2009). Up Till Now: The Autobiography. Macmillan Publishers. p. 293. ISBN 978-1429937979.
- ^ Mike Antonucci (May 14, 2004). "Face Time with... William Shatner, Actor". San Jose Mercury News. p. 2G.
- ^ Ian Jane (May 19, 2004). "Shoot or Be Shot". DVD Talk. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ Michelle Fajkus. "Shoot or Be Shot". Hybrid Magazine. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ Jeff Strickler (January 24, 2002). "'Shoot or Be Shot' is a low-rent version of 'Bowfinger'". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 13, 2014.