Amy (Melinda Page Hamilton) harbors a dirty little secret in Bobcat Goldthwait film
SLEEPING DOGS LIE (Bobcat Goldthwait, 2006)
BAMcinématek, BAM Rose Cinemas
30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Pl. & St. Felix St.
Sunday, November 3, 3:00
718-636-4100
www.bam.org
Syracuse-born comic Bobcat Goldthwait might still be best known as the dude with the annoying voice in the Police Academy movies, but he’s carved out quite a little career for himself as a director, helming such television series as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Chappelle’s Show, and The Man Show as well as several low-budget indie films that he also wrote. On November 3, BAMcinématek will be screening three of the latter in a mini-festival, beginning with 2006’s Sleeping Dogs Lie, an oddly charming, offbeat romantic comedy. Amy (Melinda Page Hamilton) is a lonely college student who suddenly decides to try something a little different — she pleasures her dog in a special way, but immediately regrets it. Eight years later, she is in a serious relationship with John (Bryce Johnson), who wants them to be completely honest with each other. Hesitant to share this one detail of her life, she ultimately confesses, believing love trumps all. How wrong she is. Hamilton (Desperate Housewives, Big Love, Mad Men) is terrific in the lead role, playing a smart, attractive woman overwhelmed by this one secret. She gets comfort from a fellow teacher, Ed (Colby French), but none from her old-fashioned parents (Geoff Pierson and Bonita Friedericy) or her crystal-meth-smoking loser of a brother, Dougie (Jack Plotnick). Goldthwait and cinematographer Ian S. Takashi shot Sleeping Dogs Lie in a mere sixteen days, putting together part of the crew from Craigslist. A truly indie film, it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. The Goldthwait triple play continues at 6:00 with the New York premiere of Willow Creek, followed by a Q&A with Goldthwait, and concludes at 9:00 with his 2009 film, World’s Greatest Dad, starring Robin Williams.