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The Independent

Play trailer Poster for The Independent R,  2001,  1h 35m,  Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 61% 44 Reviews Tomatometer 49% 1,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
61% Tomatometer 44 Reviews 49% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This mockumentary explores the career of independent filmmaker Morty Fineman (Jerry Stiller), responsible for over 400 movies. Fineman faces mounting debt, but puts his heart and remaining money into a feature film about a serial killer. He contacts his daughter, Paloma (Janeane Garofalo), to work for him, after which he tries to obtain the rights to the killer's tale. The only caveat is that the film must be a musical. Fineman, Paloma and assistant Irving embark on this strange quest.

Critics Reviews

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Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Jul 20, 2002
2/4
When it's trying to be a more conventional comedy, it's mostly pretty bad. Go to Full Review
Erin Meister Boston Globe Jun 28, 2002
3/4
A charming and funny look at the independent filmmaking business and the thin line between a masterpiece and a $9 nap. Go to Full Review
Melanie McFarland Seattle Times May 3, 2002
3/4
Good but not great. Go to Full Review
Beth Accomando KPBS.org Aug 16, 2008
Stiller should get an Oscar for his performance as Fineman and that's no joke. This is a role of a lifetime and Stiller relishes the opportunity. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Aug 10, 2005
2/5
Rob Thomas Capital Times (Madison, WI) Nov 11, 2004
4/5
Really, truly, one of the funniest movies of the last decade. Go to Full Review
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The Independent

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Stephen Kessler

Director

Jerry Stiller

Morty Fineman

Janeane Garofalo

Paloma Fineman

Max Perlich

Ivan

Ginger Lynn Allen

Mayor Kitty Storm

Billy Burke

Dwayne

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The Independent

The Independent (2000) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This mockumentary explores the career of independent filmmaker Morty Fineman (Jerry Stiller), responsible for over 400 movies. Fineman faces mounting debt, but puts his heart and remaining money into a feature film about a serial killer. He contacts his daughter, Paloma (Janeane Garofalo), to work for him, after which he tries to obtain the rights to the killer's tale. The only caveat is that the film must be a musical. Fineman, Paloma and assistant Irving embark on this strange quest.
Director
Stephen Kessler
Producer
Mike Wilkins
Screenwriter
Stephen Kessler, Mike Wilkins
Distributor
Arrow Entertainment, New City Releasing [us], Arrow Releasing Inc.
Production Co
United Lotus Group
Rating
R (Language|Some Violence|Sexuality)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 30, 2001, Wide
Release Date (DVD)
Feb 12, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$238.4K
Runtime
1h 35m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo
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