The Dark Backward
“It's the world inside out.”
Synopsis
A man pursues stand-up comedy encouraged by his fellow garbage man. Though his friend, who accompanies him on accordion, continues to tell him how great he is, he actually stinks. When the "comedian" grows a third arm out of his back, the friend uses this twist to get him signed up with a sleazy talent agent, and it begins to look like his career is on the move, even though his girlfriend has left him.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
the DARK BACKWARD Official Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2011-03-16
Top Cast
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Judd Nelson
Marty Malt
Bill Paxton
Gus
Wayne Newton
Jackie Chrome
Lara Flynn Boyle
Rosarita
James Caan
Dr. Scurvy
Rob Lowe
Dirk Delta
Claudia Christian
Kitty
Billy Bob Thornton
Patron at Sloppy's
King Moody
Twinkee Doodle
Danny Dayton
Syd
Carrie Lynn
Nicolette
Anna Berger
Mrs. Malt
Lydell M. Cheshier
Dexter
Tom Hodges
Marjorie Zipp
Theodocia Goodrich
Mrs. Bielfuss
Laurianne Jameson
Shirley
Charles Knapp
Sloppy
Adam Rifkin
Rufus Bing
Release History & Theatrical Window
Santa Barbara Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 26, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$2M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$29K
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.01x
-$2M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Adam Rifkin
- Screenplay & Story
- Adam Rifkin
- Original Score
- Marc David Decker
- Original Title
- The Dark Backward
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Production Budget
- $2M
- Worldwide Gross
- $29K
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Adam Rifkin
Adam Rifkin
Marc David Decker
Joey Forsyte
Peter Schink
Randolf Turrow, William Talmadge, Brad Wyman, Cassian Elwes
Department Leadership Roster
Adam Rifkin
Writer
Adam Rifkin
Director
Sherman Williams
Production Design
Joey Forsyte
Director of Photography
Alexandria Forster
Costume Design
Peter Schink
Editor
Brad Wyman
Producer
Cassian Elwes
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Dark Backward.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Dark Backward.
Mid Hunting List
A list of mids found by Mid Hunters
vison of mind
Imported from MUBI list: https://mubi.com/en/lists/vison-of-mind
EclecticMIX
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What the fuck?!: Weird films.
Imported from MUBI list: https://mubi.com/en/lists/what-the-fuck-weird-films
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Dark Backward
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Dark Backward about?
A man pursues stand-up comedy encouraged by his fellow garbage man. Though his friend, who accompanies him on accordion, continues to tell him how great he is, he actually stinks. When the "comedian" grows a third arm out of his back, the friend uses this twist to get him signed up with a sleazy talent agent, and it begins to look like his career is on the move, even though his girlfriend has left him.
Who directed The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward was directed by Adam Rifkin.
Who stars in The Dark Backward?
The principal cast of The Dark Backward includes Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton, Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan.
When was The Dark Backward released and how long is it?
The Dark Backward was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward had a reported production budget of $2M and grossed $29K at the worldwide box office (0.01 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for The Dark Backward?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Dark Backward was composed by Marc David Decker.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Dark Backward?
The Dark Backward holds official age classifications: AU: R 18+; GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).