Shiner (2004 film)

Shiner
DVD Cover to Shiner
Directed by	Christian Calson
Written by	Christian Calson
Starring	Scott Stepp Derris Nile Nicholas T. King David Zelina Carolyn Crotty Seth Harrington Conny Van Dyke
Distributed by	TLA Releasing
Release dates	2004
Running time	89 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Shiner is a 2004 released film written and directed by Christian Calson.

Plot

Shiner explores three relationships in which some form of abuse is not only involved but savored. The central story involves Tony and Danny, two friends whose relationship changes once Danny discovers that he becomes sexually satisfied when Tony physically abuses him. Another storyline involves Tim, an out of work boxer who is being stalked by Bob, a shy loner who still lives at home with his mother. Third is Reg and Linda, who discover their sex life improves when they hit each other during the act.

Cast

• Tony - Scott Stepp
• Danny - Derris Nile
• Charles - Ryan Soteres
• Linda - Carolyn Crotty
• Reg - Seth Harrington
• Tim - David Zelina
• Bob - Nicholas King
• Bob's Mom - Conny Van Dyke

Reviews

• "The homoerotic subtext many found in "Fight Club" is spelled out in "Shiner," about some ostensibly straight, even homophobic, guys whose sparring edges across the line between macho horseplay and sexual masochism. It takes a while to realize the laughs in writer/helmer Christian Colson's first feature are intentional—no-budget production values, deliberately awkward scene rhythms and minimalist character development make pic look at first very much like a solemnly silly fetish video. By the end, a sort of deliberate absurdity is clear, though this vid-shot exercise in behavioral extremity may be too rough-hewn and unratable for arthouse play." - Dennis Harvey, Variety^[1]
• "The only film that played at the Castro Theater during this festival so controversial that all 66 of our sponsors passed on it." - Michael Lumpkin, Festival Director-Frameline Film Festival
• "Rife with ugly behavior, Shiner rejects the trend of queer filmmakers seeking straight understanding." - Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle^[2]
• "Most people will probably be put off by the relentless violence. But if you can stick it out, you will find yourself asking some Big Picture questions." - Steve Weinstein, New York Blade

References

1. Dennis Harvey "Shiner," Variety June 28, 2004 http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117924242?refcatid=31
2. "Wedded Bliss at Frameline28," San Francisco Chronicle June 13, 2004 [FINAL EDITION], retrieved via ProQuest Newsstand

External links

• Official site
• Shiner at the Internet Movie Database
• Camp Blood.org Interview - Interview with director Christian Calson