The Dark Backward (1991): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Dark Backward is a 1991 comedy directed by Adam Rifkin, starring James Caan, Bill Paxton and Lara Flynn Boyle. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $28,654 worldwide. Critics gave it 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 41m (101 min)
- Director
- Adam Rifkin
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- August Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Dark Backward About?
The premise of The Dark Backward without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A struggling comedian's pursuit of fame is supported by his enthusiastic friend, whose unwavering praise keeps his spirits high. However, his stand-up performances consistently fail to impress. His fortunes change unexpectedly when he develops a third arm, which surprisingly becomes the catalyst for his comedic breakthrough. Amidst newfound success and personal doubts, he also faces the loss of his girlfriend.
The Dark Backward Themes & Keywords
· 11 tags- stand up comedian
- talent agent
- best friend
- garbage collector
- friendship
- candy cinema
- comic relief
- dark comedy
- accordion
- surrealism
- independent film
The Dark Backward Cast
James Caan leads the cast, with Bill Paxton and Lara Flynn Boyle. Directed by Adam Rifkin; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Adam Rifkin
Also Starring in The Dark Backward
· 6 moreMore from Adam Rifkin
More films directed by Adam Rifkin, best-rated first: The Last Movie Star, Detroit Rock City, Look and Night at the Golden Eagle.
The Dark Backward Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Dark Backward 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.
-
IMDb 5.7 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 48 Metascore
See on Metacritic
The Dark Backward Plot Summary
What happens in The Dark Backward from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Marty Malt, played by James Caan, is an unhappy garbage man who moonlights as an atrociously unfunny stand-up comic. He drifts through a dark, grimy, garbage-strewn urban netherworld where a company named Blump’s apparently owns everything. His best friend and fellow trash collector, Gus (played by Bill Paxton), is the only one who laughs at his jokes, and his sincerity is questionable. The obnoxiously exuberant Gus always carries an accordion, turning every outing into a loud, musical moment. Marty is dating Rosarita, a waitress, but she doesn’t seem too interested in him; Rosarita is portrayed by Lara Flynn Boyle.
One day Gus convinces a talent agent, Jackie Chrome, to check out Marty’s act. Jackie isn’t impressed.
Full summary
The whole story of The Dark Backward, scene by scene
The Dark Backward Box Office
The Dark Backward grossed $28,654 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$28.7K
- US & Canada
- $28.7K
The Dark Backward Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Dark Backward.
How Well Do You Know The Dark Backward?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Marty Malt's day job?
Cars in The Dark Backward
3 cars on screen, including the 1946 Chrysler and the 1957 Ford C-Series.
-
1946 Chrysler Minor role -
1957 Ford C-Series Minor role -
1960 Buick unknown Background role
The Dark Backward Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “The Man with Three Arms” and “Por Trás das Cenas”.
- Also known as
-
- The Man with Three Arms
- Por Trás das Cenas
- Destino trasversale
Seen The Dark Backward?
Movies Like The Dark Backward
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Dark Horse, Pardon My Backfire and Road Hard.
The Dark Backward FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Dark Backward, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).
When was The Dark Backward released?
The Dark Backward was released on March 9, 1991.
Who directed The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward was directed by Adam Rifkin.
More films by Adam Rifkin Who is in the cast of The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward stars James Caan, Bill Paxton and Lara Flynn Boyle, among 10 credited actors.
How much did The Dark Backward make at the box office?
The Dark Backward grossed $28,654 worldwide.
How is The Dark Backward rated?
The Dark Backward has 5.7/10 on IMDb and 48 on Metacritic.
Does The Dark Backward have a post-credit scene?
No. The Dark Backward has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
