Trouble With Dick

Director: Gary Walkow
Screenwriters: Gary Walkow

Institute History

Description

Trouble With Dick is an entertaining story about Dick Kendred (Tom Villard), a science fiction writer of some promise whose life and work becomes very complicated when he rents a room in a house occupied by his old friend from college, Diane (Susan Dey), an “aerobicized” landlady, Sheila Dibble (Elaine Giftos), and her name femme fatale daughter, Haley (Elizabeth Gorcey).

Dick’s troubles begin when he is seduced by Haley, then by Sheila, and he begins to lose the thread of concentration on his novel-in-progress, “The Galactic Chain Gang.” Developing a classic case of writer’s block, Dick slowly disintegrates into a mental wasteland.

Interspersed through Dick’s reality are scenes from his science fiction story, which unfolds on an alien planet. We follow its hero, Lars Shrike (David Clennon), an escaped prisoner who wanders aimlessly, trying to find a way out. Trouble With Dick is an amusing tale of imagination, told with a strong visual style that mixes fantasy and reality. A highly original and winning debut by director Gary Walkow.

— Lawrence Smith

Screening Details

Sundance Film Festival Awards

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