Cold Blooded

Director: Wally Wolodarsky
Screenwriters: Wally Wolodarsky

Institute History

  • 1995 Sundance Film Festival

Description

One of the common perceptions, even verities, about the nature of American independent production is that it lacks a sense of humor. That’s just one of the reasons why Wally Wolodarsky's Cold Blooded is such a pleasure to discover. First-rate comedies are rare, regardless of what arena they emerge from, and Wolodarsky's feature debut is exceptional for its fine writing, performances, timing, and above all for its black humor.

Cosmo, played perfectly by Jason Priestley, is a low-level bookie who is suddenly promoted to be a hitman—an offer he can’t refuse. Placed under the supervision of an experienced professional, Steve (in a hilariously restrained performance by Peter Riegert), Cosmo discovers that he has an innate ability: he’s the perfect, unemotional, talented killer. And his natural flair for his job quickly establishes him as someone invaluable and leads to requests for his services. But it also leads to a dilemma, for as he attempts to enjoy a social life, indeed to fall in love, he must confront the inevitable limitations that his profession imposes.

Absolutely terrific dialogue; deliciously perverse, dark sensibilities; and a biting, yet romantic, wit and style make this debut film an absolute must. Additional plaudits go to the female leads, Janeane Garofalo and Kimberly Williams.

— Geoffrey Gilmore

Screening Details

As you use our Online Archives, please understand that the information presented from Festivals, Labs, and other activities is taken directly from official publications from each year. While this information is limited and doesn't necessarily represent the full list of participants (e.g. actors and crew), it is the list given to us by the main film/play/project contact at the time, based on the space restrictions of our publications. Each entry in the Online Archives is meant as a historical record of a particular film, play, or project at the time of its involvement with Sundance Institute. For this reason, we can only amend an entry if a name is misspelled, or if the entry does not correctly reflect the original publication. If you have questions or comments, please email [email protected]