Publish or Perish (2023) User Reviews

Solid thriller/dark comedy

[gsimgpe · 7/10 · 10 October 2023]

Saw this at the Joe Bob's Drive-In Jamboree 2023, it was included in the indie film night on friday, one of three "feature length indies".

Overall solid film and shows promise for future career, really enjoyed Timothy McCracken as the "driven" Professor Bowden, and James Shanklin as his Dirt-loving Dean. From the first accidental death to the final accidental death we were laughing quite a bit, the Ace Hardware scenes as well. The plot does meander a bit at points, I think a solid hour and 20-25minute version would have been better but overall the highlight of the indie film night for us.

Excited to see where David Liban goes next or if this was a one time fun project we appreciate getting to see the movie and congrats on the Silver Hubbie!

A superbly acted, thought provoking and cathartic dark comedy.

[melaniebhess · 8/10 · 12 November 2023]

With so many formulaic films, it's rare to find one that can surprise me. Publish or Perish is a breath of fresh air. Superbly acted by Timothy McCracken, deftly directed by David Liban and intricately edited by Justin Lewis. Cast and crew from Colorado, creates a celebration of local artists and dark comedy at its best! My husband and teenage son and I enjoyed seeing this on the big screen at the Denver film festival. Looking forward to sharing it with friends and family and watching it again where it's streaming on Apple TV. Do yourselves a favor and check it out. I imagine teachers and professors will find this especially satisfying and cathartic!

David Liban's new feature film is compelling and entertaining

[rcampy1 · 10/10 · 26 February 2023]

I had the pleasure to see "Publish or Perish" theatrically for the first time at the Oceanside Intenational Film Festival.

What you notice is that the film is complelling from the very beginning to the last scene. Seeing it with a live audience has an impact as they react to some of the most shocking events that unfold is dark suspense comedy. If you like the Coen Brothers style and substance then David Liban's feature will entertain and draw you deep into the main characters dilemma.

This is a polished gem, in which every character has a reason to antagonize our hero in his quest for the academic gold ring of tenure at any cost.

One of a kind, a hilarious dark comedy

[ccazanasfilm · 10/10 · 26 February 2023]

If I could give 100 stars to this movie I would. The story is so unique. Not very often you see a movie about the protocols in academia. Even through some audiences won't know about the specifics because they haven't lived it, it still relatable to everyone. The movie is funny in the way things are spoken about and how the storytelling develops. The directing is magnificent. The cinematography, editing and actors work is exceptional. I recommend it to people who enjoy dark comedies that are well structured. I fully connected with the story and the characters in a very special way. And believe me when I say I am very critical of movies. This film is one of a kind! Well done to the production team!

Top 5

[reelmachado · 10/10 · 4 April 2023]

Easily one of the top 5 films I've seen in 2023... A filmmaker with a real vision.

The dialogue, characters, story, and overall polish make this a must watch! In fact immediately after watching it I was ready for another viewing. The twists, turns, shocking events, suspense, comedy, and character all work so so so well together.

What David has done hear is make something greater than the sum of it's parts. A strong script, strong performances, an intriguing premise, and pacing all come together in this one.

It's getting in to film festivals across the county and with good reason. This is a MASTERPIECE.

A true gem that isn't to be missed

[mbrewski · 10/10 · 19 March 2023]

"Publish or Perish," the latest film from writer-director David Liban, is a tense and thought-provoking dark comedy that explores the dark side of ambition and obsession.

The movie centers around a professor named Jim Bowden, played brilliantly by Timothy McCracken, who is determined to get tenure at his university. When he accidentally kills a student and tries to cover it up, his life begins to spiral out of control, leading him down a dangerous path of deceit and paranoia.

James Shanklin delivers a standout performance as Dean Crawley, the university official who becomes suspicious of Bowden's behavior and starts to investigate him. The tension between the two characters is palpable, and the scenes they share are some of the most gripping in the film.

Director David Liban masterfully weaves together a tightly knit plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The pacing is just right, and the story unfolds in a way that feels both organic and unpredictable.

What really sets "Publish or Perish" apart, however, is its exploration of the themes of ambition and obsession. The movie asks important questions about the price of success and the lengths people are willing to go to achieve it. It's a thought-provoking and timely examination of the pressures that individuals face in today's society.

Overall, "Publish or Perish" is a powerful film that delivers on every level. It's a must-see for anyone who enjoys dark comedies or is interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.

As an academic this was painfully hillarious

[drmarkrabideau · 10/10 · 7 May 2023]

Publish or Perish is hysterical. And as an academic (with tenure, but without a criminal record), this was painfully funny. David Liban brings his dual insights as a filmmaker and academic to tell a story that is somewhere between preposterous and stop-on about a faculty member seeking tenure who crumbles amidst a series of murderous mishaps. If you like to laugh at life's plot twists, I encourage you to check-out this dark comedy. You may just find yourself relating to the film's desperate lead. And if, like me, once had aspirations for becoming a dean, you'll run the other way as fast as you can.

Some humorous bits, but needs a re-write

[rhefner2002 · 5/10 · 25 January 2024]

As a former professor of English, I can attest that there is nothing more petty than university politics. It's a topic worthy of satire, and this film delivers it. But there are some major flaws.

A dark comedy about an English professor trying to get tenure, Publish or Perish has some amusing moments, but somevof the dialogue sounds awkward and fake. There are also some inexcusable factual errors. The professor refers to his classes as "English Literature," but in a early scene, he's teaching Kurt Vonnegut. Later, he goes to a junkyard to get a wheel, but it's actually a tire. Any screenwriter worth his or her salt would spot these mistakes and correct them.

In addition, the lack of character development undermines any kind of emotional investment in the players. The protagonist professor is distinctly rude and unlikable, but we're given no idea why. The college dean is a stereotypical pompous ass, bereft of any nuance. The professor's wife is little more than an appendage of her husband. What's missing here is any kind of insight into these people's personalities.

To its credit, the film's plot gets fairly suspenseful, and its absurdist approach is consistent.

This is not a bad movie, just one that needs more depth in its characters and some work on the script.

It will keep you glued to your seats

[wpesnec · 10/10 · 20 August 2023]

This funny dark comedy will keep you riveted to your seats throughout! The storyline centers around an English professor obsessed by securing a tenured position in a college but a number of unusual events in his life places unexpected and unusual obstacles in his path. Some scary moments but they are largely balanced by really funny scenes and sometimes subtle humor. This movie will make you wonder throughout, how it possibly could end, in light of all improbable situations encountered by the main character.

The actors did a wonderful job overall, by providing the audience with many opportunities to laugh wholeheartedly in spite of some scary situations.

Great, fun watch

[alexismorgan-43363 · 10/10 · 21 August 2023]

This is a very entertaining movie. They did great work with Cinematography and their story, I was intrigued the whole time. They kept me waiting to see what happens next. Acting was phenominal and theres a goofiness to the horror which makes it more of a unique film. The intensity plus casualness to the whole plot makes it worth wild. I was constantly wondering where this story was going, which is great for me because I can usually figure out what is going to happen when I watch a movie. If you have not seen it, I recommend this movie! Watched it twice in a day! Definitley a good find. Great work on all cast and crew.