Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
Official Selection 2013
An ageing, touring stand-up comedian meets a local girl. They get drunk and share their mutual woes about their unfulfilling lives. Seduced by his fame, she tries to kiss him. We learn that he is not the misogynistic character he portrays on stage.
Director: Michael Dorgan
Producer: Andi Sinkovics
Writer: Michael Dorgan
Key cast and other credits:
Martin Beaumont
Claire Harry
Director’s Statement
‘The Career Comedian focuses on the reality of being a working stand-up comic. Many artistic impressions represent stand-up comedians as alcoholic depressives, who womanise and disappoint their loved ones. Current media portrayals also show comedians to live ‘rock star’ existences, as rich and glamorous idols for the TV-centred culture we consume. This film challenges both these notions. Firstly, it aims to show that the loneliness of incessant touring does not necessary lead to drug and alcohol addiction, or infidelity. Rather, it shows that the loneliness comes from the sudden loss of an audience after a show has finished, and that it is company – someone to talk to – that is the real craving.
Secondly, it challenges this rock star perception by showing that comedians, in fact, are the most common frequenters of low cost chain hotels, as they tour untold apparently cultureless and characterless regional towns. The film also focuses on the unfulfilled ambitions of small-town women. It also looks at what happens after the peak of fame, when a career no longer becomes about ambition and success, but rather about bringing in an income. This is explored in relation to the seemingly disproportionate desire of some sections of society for contact with people who have been famous, regards of their current level of fame.’
Michael Dorgan
Director’s Bio
Michael Dorgan is a South Africa-born British filmmaker. He is currently in post-production on his London Film School graduation film, The Olive Branch Job. He has written & directed several short films, as well as adverts, particularly for the Monsieur Notebook brand. He has also worked as a Director of Photography on several short films, across 16mm, 35mm and digital formats.
The Career Comedian, his most recent short film as writer/director, was nominated for best foreign film at Australia’s Sandfly Film Festival. His most recent film as cinematographer, Dinner and a Movie, recently played at the London Short Film Festival and ScreenTest.
Posted in: Official Selection, NFF2013, 2013 Films In Detail