The Whole Shootin' Match (1978) User Reviews

An authentic regional film

[aerovertice · 8/10 · 3 May 2010]

The Whole Shootin' Match is a movie that most people know today as the catalyst for the creation of the Sundance Film Festival. Indeed, the rustic, almost unpolished feel of the movie gives it the trademark "regional" feel, making it a film that is different from the typically polished, professionally made films of Hollywood; although the film is comparatively unpolished, or rather because of it, there is a sense of authenticity that could not have been captured in a Hollywood studio. Apparently, due to budgetary strains, which included shortage of film stock, the film-makers could not afford to retake many shots, which explains the slightly clumsy acting at certain points; however, don't get me wrong: the actors are extremely talented, and they do a great job for the most part, it's just that they falter a little bit in a few scenes here and there.

Eagle Pennell does a very competent job directing this movie. Although Pennell grew up in a college town, it feels as though he is well in touch with the sensibilities of the people of the rural South. The main character of the movie is your quintessential, happy-go-lucky southern folk who goes about dragging his feet as he attempts to move up in life; by the end of the movie, he is right where he began. The way I read it, the movie is telling its audience that every person has a certain place in society, dictated by his own level of competence, and he should learn to live within his means, and be grateful for what he has. One thing I would especially like to mention is the background music: it is a wonderful classically influenced, folksy guitar soundtrack strummed by the brother of Pennell. The soundtrack really made the experience of watching the film pleasant, and added to that feel of authenticity.

Get rich or contemplate suicide trying

[CoolReviewBro · 8/10 · 26 April 2011]

First, if you're interested in independent films and want to buff up on knowledge regarding the USA Film Festival, I highly recommend seeing this movie (which was awarded a second prize at the 1978 USA film festival). Furthermore, If you're interested in the development of regional cinema, I highly recommend seeing this movie. Lastly, if you're interested in everything Texas then I really, really recommend seeing this movie.

However, if you are interested in entrepreneurship and are an entrepreneur at heart, I must provide you with the following cautionary notice. First, this film will tear aspiring entrepreneurs to pieces with the very realistic portrayal of failed business ventures and the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. Every entrepreneur has their own reasons for embarking upon a business venture. In "The Social Network", Mark Zuckerberg is presented as an entrepreneur who invents Facebook to impress a girl that dumps him. Additionally, the Facebook film portrays the entrepreneur behind Napster as a man driven to impress an unrequited love that gave him no attention in high school. However, when you view "The Whole Shootin' Match" you will not really know the true motivations behind Loyd and Frank's entrepreneurial activity.

Maybe viewers will see Loyd and Frank's entrepreneurial activity as a way to avoid holding down a job. Maybe they'll see their efforts as a means to provide income for women chasing and alcohol benders. I think such judgments would be rash, however. I believe Loyd and Frank are two men engaged in the worthy pursuit of self-sufficiency and personal stability. Indeed, sometimes a successful entrepreneurial idea can serve as the "magic bullet" to provide an individual with sustained income and financial security. Unfortunately, Frank and Loyd's "magic bullet" was taken from them. They say that entrepreneurship is like throwing spaghetti to the wall and going with "whatever sticks." Unfortunately, the noodle that stuck for Frank and Loyd was taken from them. This happens to a great deal of entrepreneurs who "get their lunch eaten" by a bad deal or a competitor who abruptly innovates and "one-ups" their product. Go watch "The Whole Shootin' Match" to see how painful this common occurrence is.

Great Regional Film

[marys-684-634226 · 7/10 · 8 May 2011]

The film was definitely the best regional and Eagle Pennell's best film. Unlike most films during that time set in Texas did express the values or nature of real Texans. The actors in the film and the director were all Texans and knew the culture. The script of the film was outlined with majored scenes and sparse dialogues. The main actors improvised most of the dialogue in the film. The improvisation added to the Texan aesthetics of the film. The quirky remarks and the Texan references made it relatable and entertaining for all Texans. The joke of the alcohol being from Medina was aimed specifically at Texans. The chemistry of the two leading male characters was amazing. The audience could tell that the men were friends in real life and were just goofing around in front of the camera. The dysfunctional marriage dynamic of between Doris Hargrave and Sonny Davis was believable as a real troubled marriage. The Davis and Perryman were good ol' boys trying to make ends meet in a corrupt world. Frank was trying to make ends meet for his family through his many discretions and money issues. He loved his family, but luck was not in men's favor. Their electric mop was stolen from them due to the faith they put into the company and a faulty contract. Although the film was shot on weekends and was extremely low budget it was real and entertaining. In one scene a grip's arm is in the shot of the kitchen of the married couple's home. The quick glimpse didn't subtract anything from the film. It added to the feel of the realness. The humor was the perfectly fitted for the Texans. The cinematography was not as well done as other films, but it added to the aesthetic of the regional mentality and the simplicity of the film.

Two Texas blue collar buddies reach for the brass ring but continually come up empty

[tordiway · 20 March 2003]

Upon director Pennell's death last year (2002)the news media reported that Robert Redford credited this film as his inspiration for creating the Sundance Institute. An affectionate and often funny look at two losers who nevertheless refuse to give up on their dreams of striking it rich. Pennell and cast shot this on weekends using short ends b&w film stock and borrowed equipment. Everybody worked for free, including Pennell's brother who provided the guitar soundtrack. Film was a minor sensation on the festival circuit - Pennell followed it across the USA and Europe and was offered work in LA as a result though things did not turn out as everybody had hoped. Leads Sonny Carl Davis and Lou Perry (Perryman) moved to LA immediately afterwards and have worked playing character parts / small parts ever since. Prints have been unavailable for many years now.

Almost a good independent film

[Danarella · 6/10 · 10 May 2010]

This is a prime example of a film that would be good, if it had higher production value. The cast is suitable for their roles, but the screenplay could have used a little bit of help before production began and the director could have used a little bit of guidance with other aspects of production.

Sonny Carl Davis plays the main character, Frank. Frank has a few too many problems in his life. He can't hold down a job, and has lost money on some failed business ventures on more than one occasion. His wife is being seduced by his cousin. His son gets his bike stolen, and he can't afford to buy him a new one. To escape all of these pressures to be successful, he drinks. He and his best friend, Loyd, run off to local bars and flirt with the women. Davis does a great job of creating this estranged and desperate character that is lost and completely depressed.

Lou Perryman and Doris Hargrave are great as the supporting cast. Perryman plays Loyd, who gets caught up in all the failed business ventures with Frank. He is a nice guy who likes to invent things, but he is always just short of finding success. Hargrave plays Paulette, Frank's wife. I'm most fascinated by her high-pitched voice and thick accent, but she also does a fine job in her thankless role. Her character does not have much depth which could be because the director, Eagle Pennell, did not know how to create a good role for a woman.

Overall, the film is an interesting independent film, but could've been a little bit better.

Strong Texan Movie

[oparason · 9/10 · 30 April 2011]

This low budget independent film, The Whole Shootin' Match, directed by the late Eagle Pennell is a film that portrays what many Texans consider the quintessential blue-collar Texan. The film is set around Austin, TX and is shot in black and white using actors/actresses from the region. This authentic feel pierces through to the audience and as someone from Austin the characters are the type of people I could consider friends and neighbors. It stars Sonny Carl Davis as Lloyd and his best friend and business partner Frank played by Lou Perryman. The two of them start up various small-time business ventures that inevitably flounder. This causes them to often find themselves out of work and broke, but they have a resolute belief in their abilities and a determination to succeed, and are convinced that one day Frank will invent the right product or service that will make them rich. In addition to his constant lack of work Frank has many other problems in his life. He has an alcoholic and his wife is being seduced by his cousin. He is also is an adultery and does not try to hide it. These problems caused several arguments between his wife Paulette, played by Doris Hargrave. Throughout the whole film there is one constant and powerful theme to the movie and it's the friendship between Frank and Lloyd that is mutually supportive, completely trusting, enduring and ultimately touching when Lloyd hits a low point in movie. The flaws in these two characters such as their stupidity and naivety lay at the heart for their one success to ultimately become a failure like all the other schemes to get rich. Overall the film is one about the strength of friendship and the perseverance to achieve one's goal no matter how far-flung they are.

Great Independent Film

[cocomariev · 7/10 · 11 May 2011]

"The Whole Shootin' Match," a landmark of American independent film. Eagle Pennell's tragic comedy captures the struggle between two small- time cowboys, Loyd and Frank, who desperate to land their big break. I love that the movie was shot in Austin, TX. I don't think they could have chosen a better place, but that might just be me being bias because I am from there. This film is a perfect example of how a simple story can become so appreciated. Even with the restricted amount of money they had to film this movie, the characters of Loyd and Frank did a great job at catching the attention of the audience. To be honest I didn't have very high expectations about the film. I thought it was just be another typical cowboy movie. This movie showed a powerful message of friendship between Frank and Loyd. Even through hard times, their relationship remained strong.Overall, this film is about friendship, loyalty, trust, and determination to achieve your goal, whatever that goal might be. I think most can relate to this movie somehow, whether it be a character or the messages behind it. I definitely recommend this to anyone who like independent films or wants to check one out. I don't recommend it to anyone who likes the movies with "glamorous" filming. This was a low- budget film, but regardless Eagle Pennell did a great job at getting the message across. Oh, and if you are from Texas I say you check it out!

Great Independent Film

[manjavhern · 8/10 · 10 May 2010]

The Whole Shootin' Match is a great independent film that any Indi movie lover should watch. I personally am torn about the movie, but it is worth watching at least once. The characters are just your average guys trying to survive and make a living in the world. I personally didn't like the character Frank. He was just a lousy bum who parasite off his buddy, Loyd. He didn't have any ideas of his own, just wanted the easy way out and didn't work hard for anything. He cheated on his wife, he spends all the money on himself, and he can't even kill himself like a man. I hated him and all he represented. Loyd on the other hand I came to like, save the fact he hangs out with Frank. Loyd works hard for what he has, though he isn't the brightest crayon in the box. He doesn't let the world get to him; he picks up his tools and starts working and building to better himself. That I can respect, that's a real cowboy. The movie just revolves around these two trying to make ends meet and find the one thing that will make them rich fast and easily. The movie did its job in giving off the sense of real life and real life in Texas for the time. A great independent film that inspired the Sundance Film Festival should be watched by any movie lover and independent film goers. Those who watch it just have to decide for themselves if and why they love it or hate it. It's no big block buster movie, keep that in mind. It is a low budget independent film that should stand on its own and be judged on that standard alone.

The Whole Shootin' Match

[jrmontalvo3 · 7/10 · 8 May 2011]

The Whole Shooting Match was about two main characters Frank and Lloyd who are both guys working to try to just get enough money to get by in life, Frank however has a wife and child where as Lloyd doesn't. In this movie you see the rough parts of an everyday life, however Frank's cousin (find name) doesn't think that Frank is a great enough husband or father and tries to win over Frank's wife countless times throughout the movie. Lloyd is a man of interesting talents he comes off as the guy who hasn't done much, but he truly is an inventor. One day while Lloyd goes through his first car wash that he doesn't end up paying for he comes up with an idea on a new invention, which is a mop that squirts the water out and cleans almost like a vacuum cleaner. With this invention they think they will become the richest men alive, however when they go down to the signing company, they sign all the papers, without reading and walk out of the building with $1000 dollars in cash. So Frank and Lloyd split the money in half and Frank goes around happy and starts spending it all on himself a new suit, and a new car. Frank eventually admits to his wife he had been cheating on her and was a terrible father and wanted to make a change in his life. After Frank and Lloyd find out that they aren't getting any money for their product they find out that the company tricked them and gave them $1000 while the company kept the money made from product, so Frank and Lloyd go hunting for treasure while out there Frank takes the gun from Lloyd and walks off. Few minutes later you hear a gun go off and Lloyd races to find Frank laying in the ground, he tried to kill himself, but couldn't all the regret and frustration built in him, his family and best friend were reasons he didn't end his life that moment. This movie was a wonderful choice, it brought in the real world feeling, showed what it's like for people who live in this kind of low budget, and movie reveals how the real world can mess you over in the end, while keeping in some comedy to enlighten the viewer to always be positive.

great movie

[parkermenn · 9/10 · 22 April 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match is a great film. What was even better was that after the screening we were treated to a Q and A with Sonny Davis who played Frank. Davis has never had big roles in big movies so a lot of people probably don't know who he is unless they are familiar with Eagle Pennell's The Whole Shootin' Match and Last Night at the Alamo. It was really neat to listen to Davis talk about his career in the movie industry. He was in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Thelma and Louise. The Shootin' Match has been hailed as the first true regional cinema. The actors, the director, the scriptwriter and the crew were all from Austin or Texas. They were on the "inside". They were not outsiders (Hollywood people) trying to making a movie in or about Texas. The movie correctly portrayed normal life in Austin at the time (1978). Everything in it was authentic. The Texan accents were natural. In fact, everything in the movie seemed very natural. This may be do to the fact that they were encouraged by Pennell to improvise the script. There was a script, but they only loosely stuck to it. The movie was made out of love for the craft. Everybody had day jobs during the week because they weren't getting any money from the movie. They would shoot on the weekends. They barely had enough money to make the movie without paying everybody involved a salary. Lou Perryman and Sonny Davis play best friends in the movie. They were actually best friends in real life so it came across on the screen as something really special. The most endearing scenes for me were when one was down and the other was there to cheer him up.

The whole shootin match Eagle

[azuremorningsky · 6/10 · 1 May 2010]

The whole shootin match directed by Eagle Pannell is an independent movie made in 1978. The movie details the lives of two handymen and their attempts to get rich quick. Although the production values of the film were quite low and the plot did not make a lot of sense the movie as a whole was really good with solid acting and some really engaging scenes. I had been told that this was supposed to be a movie that was representative of Texas but after seeing it i cannot support that claim the culture seemed more representative of the old south ie Alabama, Georgia etc than Texas.Im not sure what types of films i would recommend in relation to the Whole shootin match the movie is quite unique but i do know Pannell made several other films most famously a film called Last night at the Alamo

The Whole Shootin' Match

[Keltxangel · 8/10 · 7 May 2010]

This film by Eagle Pennell is an extremely great example of realism in film. Whether he meant to or not, this film almost seems like a documentary because of the simple scenes and the down to earth content and dialogue. I think that the friendship between Lloyd and Frank is perfect and they seem to compliment each other just right. My favorite scene of the film is in the beginning when Frank and Paulette are at the drive-in movie theater. Their son is with them and it just shows how something so simple can show the love of a young family. Although Frank cheats on his wife through out the film, I go back to this scene and it is just so funny how Frank and Paulette react to one another. All of the characters in the film have really great chemistry and it is what truly sells the believability of this movie.

wonderful regional film

[xtina09 · 7/10 · 7 May 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match was a great film! This regional film earned a lot of attention when it was first released in the late 70's and I can completely understand why. It was shot in Austin, TX and tells the story of a couple of guys living in central Texas trying to find their place in this world. Even with a low budget the film was able to catch the attention of the audience with the chemistry of the two main characters Frank played by Sonny Carl Davis and Lloyd played by Lou Perryman. They play best friends in the film and are constantly finding themselves down on their luck. I didn't expect much when I knew that this film was a regional low budget film but the outcome really impressed me. After learning about a little bit of the background of the director Eagle Pennell and the making of the film I felt that the crew did an amazing job with the little resources they had. This film captures the simplicity of the life in rural Texas. The film mainly focuses on the life of Frank and the everyday problems he encounters with his wife and son along with trying to find something he can be successful at. When the burden becomes too much he turns to Lloyd and the two best friends go out for a night on the town to relieve themselves of the pressures they face. These characters have something that I feel many people can relate to. They obviously don't live perfect lives and are in search of making something more of themselves. I couldn't help but love these characters, although many may find faults in them. I wouldn't refer to them as losers but instead more as the average person. That is really why I enjoyed this film.

Not the best film.

[cking-37-372041 · 2/10 · 5 May 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match is a decent movie that has many flaws. The director has a captivating story and theme to the movie, however the continued hardships of the main characters becomes exhausting to watch. I found the soundtrack to this film very entertaining, and alive. I think it is one of the focal points of this film. There were many scenes of this film that I found hard to watch or just distasteful; the first being the unnecessary whipping of Frank's son TJ. Frank decides that TJ could not keep his bike he received as a gift from Olan because Frank was weary of Olan's intent. When TJ learns he cannot keep the bike he begins to cry, but Frank being the tough man decides to whip TJ to give him something to cry about, and the sound is stomach turning. After this scene I found Frank's character more unlikeable for the remainder of the movie. The majority of this movie centers on Frank's misfortunes, bad decisions and adultery. It is very aggravating to watch Frank's wife strive to be a dedicated mother, lover and homemaker for a man that has no respect for her or himself. He cheats on her in the movie with his friend Lloyd after an argument he has with her over the bike and Olan. Another, awkward and somewhat disturbing scene is the bar fight that takes place in the women's bathroom and then moves to the center of the bar. Instead of Frank and Lloyd breaking the fight up they instead grab a female and the winner of the fight and leave the bar for other entertainment. Eventually, Frank decides to apologize to his wife and swears that he will change, but later you see him with another movie having more than a drink. Frank also uses his friend Lloyd for money. When Frank does come across money instead of putting it to good use he decides to buy a car and suit that he does not need. I really found this movie more annoying than enjoyable but I do feel the director captures the essence of living poorly along with struggling to make ends meet. Overall this movie is bearable but I wouldn't put the effort into renting this movie.

The Whole Shootin' Match

[finchy9-976-77969 · 9 May 2011]

I really like this film, I thought it was really comical most of the time and really just used the stupid cowboy approach to their advantage. The film is about these two dumb cowboys Frank and Loyd who spend most of their time drinking, flirting with women (even though Frank is married to Paulette) and thinking of get rich quick schemes since they can't seem to hold down jobs. They tried frog farming and squirrel ranching among other things and now are in a failing roofing business. Finally, Loyd invents a gadget he calls the Kitchen Wizard, and they each make a thousand dollars selling the rights to a patent attorney who gives them a contract worth much more. However, their idea is stolen and they soon run out of money. Frank contemplates suicide, but Loyd talks him out of it by reminding him of his family and their friendship. The film is kind of awesome that it ends the way it does, I mean it is almost like it fools the audience. The whole time you are just thinking that these are two idiots with rocks for brains, and there is absolutely no way that these two, or anyone in the film for that matter, could have a half way decent thought go through their mind. But then you realize that this guy has actual emotions and can truly contemplate on something, even something as vital as taking his own life. So it is like the whole film is a big oxymoron, it just shifts drastically from one extreme to the other. This film also majorly contributed to independent cinema. It even was one of the inspiring forces behind Robert Redford creating the Sundance Film Festival. So this film is definitely worth a shot, it is a really cool story.

Mundane: Bittersweet Slice-of-life Movie

[samxxxul · 7/10 · 28 May 2021]

I revisited one of my favourite Jean Rouch's film Cocorico Monsieur Poulet (1974) few days back and it took me by surprise that the masterpiece didn't have a single review on IMDB. I posted the first and then I have always compared the chaps from Rouch's road movie to Eagle Pennell's character. They leave a myriad of lasting impressions and it depicts normal people like with the same needs or longings. Anyway, I wanted to share my thoughts on Pennell's indie gem The Whole Shootin' Match (1978), a film credited to serve as an inspiration for Robert Redford to start the Sundance Film Festival and Institute. Also, it was the first film to gain national attention for the Austin film scene. I can even add Kent Mackenzie's The Exiles (1961).

An analysis of Eagle Pennell's films reveals simple themes that are seen or repeated in all his works. It's about a small town that on the surface gives the middle class living. The movie follows Lloyd and Frank, two hapless blue-collar friends (drinking buddies) who possess a never give up attitude and have dreams of making it rich. They aren't depressed, but still dream big and drown their sorrows in local pub. For them, drinking and dreaming is much more important, whose signature is repeatedly captured by the director. Unfortunately, the alcoholism resonated with the real life of Eagle Pennell which led to his passing. He could have been something else but never wanted or cannot escape from his personal demons.

Anyway, this film is not a homage to drunkenness like few have mentioned online. The film does not sermonize but rather it presents the events as they happen. It could've been cheesy at times, introduced like in a soap opera, most seem to serve a cliché at first glance, but the characters never jump out of the track as they maintain the necessary grip despite galloping madness.

Conclusion: Thankfully as a character study and even as a downbeat comedy, It is easy to imagine that the film will develop a right amount of feelings and smile with some alcohol. Regardless, It can be viewed soberly, the gags and goofballs entertains with or without opening a cold one.

The Whole SHootin Match

[wadih_ws · 9/10 · 1 May 2011]

Eagle Pennell's own The Whole Shootin' Match is what many Texans consider to be a "blue collar" Texan. This film was set around Texas' Capital, Austin, in all black and white. This film used actor and actresses from that region which made it better since they wouldn't have to act, just be themselves. Me being from Texas, these are the people I normally associate myself with since these are the kind of people I live by. This film is a story about Lloyd who is played by Sonny Carl Davis and his best friend and business partner Frank who is played by Lou Perryman. These two start up a number of small-time business ventures that start to inevitably fall apart. This causes them to often find themselves out of a job and broke, but they have a stubborn belief in their abilities, a determination to succeed, and are convinced that one day Frank will invent the right product or service that will have them strike it rich. As from the constant lack of work Frank has many other problems in his life. He is an alcoholic as well as his cousin is seducing his wife. He is also is an adulterer and does not even attempt to try to hide it. These problems caused several arguments between his wife, Paulette, played by Doris Hargrave. This movie has a powerful message of a powerful friendship between Frank and Lloyd and how they endure all the hardships, as well as how they trust each other. The flaw I believe is how naive the two are, and how they believe on the success of the other when they keep hitting an all time low, but I believe they are as close as brothers and this is why they believe in each other. This is one of the best movies I've seen in it's category.

Hilarious regional cinema

[Emilyjkwin · 8/10 · 7 May 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match is by definition a regional independent film, complete with low budget production, regional actors, regional feel and setting, and improvised scripting. That said, it is surprisingly very entertaining. Its easy to see the charm in the film if you're from the area, some of the jokes are a entirely local. At the start of the film I honestly wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it given the content. Sonny Davis plays Frank, a man who's cheating on his wife and is trying to get rich. If you don't take this too seriously, it is a surface for comedy. Also, it should be mentioned that Sonny Davis is hilarious. He talked to my class after a screening of the film and I am so glad that I stayed. This film is quite endearing, perhaps because of Davis' explanation of its inspiration and the process of making the film, etc, which was entirely endearing on its own. The film's main characters, Frank and Lloyd, are quite a pair. Throughout the film Frank for some reason is owed a part of the credit to Lloyds' get rich quick inventions, yet his input was nonexistent. Frank cheats on his wife, and even when he confesses this to his wife and promises to try to be better, continues to flirt with other ladies. A local cop tries to woo Frank's wife and buys their son, T-Frank, a fancy bike which Frank refuses to let him keep. Despite how this sounds, the dialog is genuine and funny. A lot of the dialog in the film was improvised with practice, playing off of the actors own life experiences (Davis tells about his own father's "get rich slow" schemes) giving the film a "slice of life" feel. It's a shame that for several years the film was virtually lost, it is quite enjoyable. Despite your reservations about independent film, give the film a chance, it wont disappoint. There were numerous parts of the film that will have you laughing, and at other times you will perhaps be able to relate.

Summary and Review

[eksrox-40-902286 · 8/10 · 29 April 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match is an example of the American "get rich fast" way of thinking. It is made in sepia, which wraps the entire film in a similar tone. It is a passionate film about two men trying to chase their dreams and pursue happiness. Frank and Lloyd are two best friends that are just trying to get by and do not have a secure income or way of life. Frank shows his unhappiness with his life by cheating on his wife. Lloyd is also unsatisfied with his current situation and he is always trying to find some magical cure and a way to earn a quick buck. He continually opens small shops and little businesses. One invention he stumbles upon is a dust mopper. Their plan is to sell the idea for a ton of money and get it advertised on television. The two friends go to a company to try and sell their new invention, and makes a deal for $1000. They do not realize at the time that they were signing away their rights to their invention. Frank spends the money very quickly on a car and other unimportant material things. As soon as he realizes that his fortune that he made was gone, he attempts to kill himself because he become conscious that he will never get ahead. Lloyd hears a gun shot go off and rushes out to see what it was and he thinks that Frank is dead. But, Frank is unsuccessful at his suicide. This movie examines the concept of material wealth versus true friendship and what the meaning of life really is.

A Great Entry into the Regional Film Market

[cutsman-2 · 8/10 · 1 May 2010]

It's a shame that Eagle Pennell only directed two films. After watching The Whole Shootin' Match his talent is nearly palpable. The film follows two extremely likable main characters, Lloyd (Lou Perryman) and Frank (Sonny Carl Davis) who use the day to try and make money to survive. Frank is married to Paulette (Doris Hargave) who is by far my favorite character of the movie. But not to short everyone else, the main characters of the film are really well developed. Frank and Lloyd strive to rise above the life they seemed destined to lead ever since the end of high school, living the past out one beer at a time in run down bars in Austin. Paulette is a woman who knows that she deserves more but love holds her back. In a role that could really be secondary to the main characters, Pennell writes her plenty of depth, when she gets the option to cheat you can see on her face the inner turmoil and writhing that her conscience goes through.

Pennell let's the camera linger when need be, but never for too long, you get the sense that the audience is getting a peek into the life, everything is subtle. At times the script is brilliant though, but I strangely hesitated in praising it. I didn't want to assume anything was done on purpose which I realize is a slap in the face of the filmmaker, but the movie is so raw it feels like these are real people, therefore their isn't going to be symbolism in what they do. Which I would say is the ultimate compliment to Eagle.

In the end however, Shootin' Match isn't perfect. It goes on a bit long and some scenes are absolutely pointless, but that doesn't take too much away from the overall narrative. As it stands The Whole Shootin' Match is a film that stands the test of time and is a great, nearly eerily realistic character study.

Disappointing

[robertpullman · 3/10 · 24 August 2010]

I do not watch a movie because of its "indieness." There are too many bad movies, Indy or mainstream. This film has some charms, and shows what can be done without a budget. For some that is enough; not for me. Pennell did much better with "Last Night At The Alamo," telling much the same slice-of-life story with the same lead actors (Davis, Perryman). "Alamo" spends nearly all its 80 minutes in a blue-collar Houston bar on its last night, which provides a convenient stage for presenting an assortment of characters and situations. "Shootin Match" rambles for far too long across too many disjoint scenes. The last third of the film adds virtually nothing.

Still I would sooner watch the worst of Eagle Pennell than the best of Jim Jarmusch, John Sayles, or Spike Lee. There is something to like in all of Pennell's films. His work is unaffected and unambitious.

Regional Cinema at Its Finest: The Whole Shootin' Match

[weatherl-josh · 8/10 · 9 May 2011]

The Whole Shootin' Match, a regional film set in Texas and the inspiration for the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, is a wonderful example of the power of a simple story when told by regional actors. Truly, that is the draw of this film; the fact that a viewer from Boston or New York could enjoy it is a testament to the power that regional differences hold when it comes to cinema.

The film's narrative, is very simply and has almost no major events to break it up; it almost feels like art cinema in the way that the film is not plot driven, but character driven.

The cinematography of the film is excellent, with shots that have a documentary feel to them and do not distract from the feeling that the viewer is simply viewing what some folks in Texas during the 70's were like.

While some argue that the main characters in the film are evil, or 1 dimensional, the characters are just good ole boys that are trying to make their way in life, though often failing in these attempts.

Overall, a great film, though particularly good if you are from Texas.

don't spend it all at once

[kial2089 · 11 May 2010]

The Whole Shootin' Match this is a regional movie shot in Texas about two country boys that have been friends for years. Loyd and Frank have a small plaster coating and roofing business. However, after the machinery breaks down on a job Loyd sets out to make a new vacuum and Frank is just riding the coat tails of his friend. Frank meanwhile is having trouble with his wife Paulette and is cousin Olan. Olan has a thing for Franks Wife and he keep showing up and at one point brings Frank's son a new bike. After Loyd finishes the vacuum, him and Frank take the prototype to the big city and get a contract to make the vacuum and make lots of money. They did get a thousand dollars each and when out on the town; Frank got a new suit and a new car. Later the hit up the town and Frank meets up with Olan and they have it out right in the bar. Frank and Loyd got a raw deal though and the person that they showed the vacuum to take their idea and ran off with it leaving them with nothing. After all the money is gone, the boys take a trip out to the hill country to find the hidden treasure that was hidden out there. After losing their way, Frank tries to commit suicide because he feels he has nothing left. Loye reminded Frank that no matter how bad thing seam that he still has a family and that no matter what happens Loyd would be there for him. This movie directed but Eagle Pennell was a very inserting movie to watch and the actors did a great job acting since most of the shots were ad-libbed. This just shows the ability of the actors to take a small scrip and turn it is to a classic story about friends and the adventure they have trying to live in the country.

Great Regional Cinema

[ErinKan214 · 9/10 · 5 May 2011]

To be honest, before I saw this film I did not have high hopes. I was expecting a poorly made "indie" film about Texas. Wrong. This film is so beautifully natural in its composition. The actors are actually southerners, which brought so much depth to the film. As a Texan, I was very impressed with the small details Eagle Pennell put in the film. For example, he did not have the characters riding around on horses or chewing on toothpicks the whole movie, this would not have been an accurate portrayal. Instead he shows the ups and downs of two characters lives, Frank being more of the "main character." After viewing the film, I had the pleasure of listening to Sonny Carl Davis (Frank) discuss his experiences with the film. He brought up a great point about this film. Basically, he said that there are not "buddy movies" anymore between two straight men. Everything now is based on sexuality and violence. But here in this film, you have two friends (who were really friends in real life) who have an accurate relationship on film. He also said that the film was a real labor of love for all of the actors as well as Eagle Pennell. I loved that this film was really important for everyone on set and I think that really says a lot about the quality of this film. There is humor, drama and a sense of reality. Some here have criticized the production quality and to that I say, if you are looking for glitz, look elsewhere, this is Independent Cinema! This really is a great example of male friendship in a period when both are struggling to find out their place in the world.

Terrific indie sleeper with a strong Texas flavor

[Woodyanders · 9/10 · 8 March 2016]

Stubborn Frank (the always excellent Sonny Carl Davis) and his easygoing inventor buddy Loyd (a delightful performance by Lou Perryman) are a couple of lifelong pals and wannabe entrepreneurs who concoct a get rich quick scheme involving Loyd's latest contraption that combines a mop, floor cleaner, and vacuum cleaner into one handy device. Alas, bitter reality and the pair's own hopeless naiveté put a severe damper on their ambitious plans.

Director Eagle Pennell, who also co-wrote the sharply observant script with Lin Sutherland, not only astutely captures the raw regional tang of Texas and the colorful folks who populate the state without ever resorting to cheap sentiment or cardboard stereotypes, but also offers a thoughtful and touching cinematic mediation on failure, friendship, and the basic human need and desire to make one's life count somehow. Davis and Perryman display a wonderfully natural, engaging, and utterly convincing chemistry as our lovably feckless protagonists; they receive fine support from Doris Hargrave as Frank's loyal, but long-suffering wife Paulette, Erin Henshaw as the hostile Olan, David Weber as Frank's sensitive son T. Frank, and Cindy Hanson as the vibrant Rhonda Lynn. Beautifully shot in crisp black and white and further graced by Chuck Pinnell's folksy and delicately harmonic score, it's a lovely little gem.