''Shiner'' is a 2004 film written and directed by

Christian Calson Christian Calson (born ''Claudiu Cristian Căldărescu'' on 13 January 1975 in Bucharest, Romania) is a Romanian-born American independent filmmaker best known for his use of anti-film and shock-cinema techniques. Biography Calson was born to ...

and starring Scott Stepp, Derris Nile, Nicholas T. King, David Zelina, Carolyn Crotty, Seth Harrington,

Conny Van Dyke Conny Van Dyke (September 28, 1945 – November 11, 2023), sometimes credited as Connie Van Dyke, was an American singer and actress. Biography Conny Van Dyke was born in Cape Charles, Virginia on September 28, 1945, to Benjamin and Charlotte ...

Plot

''Shiner'' explores three relationships in which some form of abuse is not only involved but savored. The central story involves Tony and Danny, two friends whose relationship changes once Danny discovers that he becomes sexually satisfied when Tony physically abuses him. Another storyline involves Tim, an out of work boxer who is being

stalked Stalking is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance or contact by an individual or group toward another person. Stalking behaviors are interrelated to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring th ...

by Bob, a shy loner who still lives at home with his mother. Third is Reg and Linda, who discover their sex life improves when they hit each other during the act.

Cast

* Scott Stepp as Tony * Derris Nile as Danny * Ryan Soteres as Charles * Carolyn Crotty as Linda * Seth Harrington as Reg * David Zelina as Tim * Nicholas King as Bob *

as Bob's mother

Reviews

* "The homoerotic subtext many found in "Fight Club" is spelled out in "Shiner," about some ostensibly straight, even homophobic, guys whose sparring edges across the line between macho horseplay and sexual masochism. It takes a while to realize the laughs in writer/helmer Christian Colson's first feature are intentional—no-budget production values, deliberately awkward scene rhythms and minimalist character development make pic look at first very much like a solemnly silly fetish video. By the end, a sort of deliberate absurdity is clear, though this vid-shot exercise in behavioral extremity may be too rough-hewn and unratable for arthouse play." – Dennis Harvey, ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

''Dennis Harvey "Shiner," ''Variety'' June 28, 2004
* "The only film that played at the

Castro Theater The Castro Theatre is a historic movie palace in the Castro District of San Francisco, California. The venue became San Francisco Historic Landmark #100 in September 1976. Located at 429 Castro Street, it was built in 1922 with a California ...

during this festival so controversial that all 66 of our sponsors passed on it." – Michael Lumpkin, Festival Director –

Frameline The Frameline Film Festival (also known as San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival and formerly known as San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival; San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival) is an annual event that ...

Film Festival * "Rife with ugly behavior, ''Shiner'' rejects the trend of queer filmmakers seeking straight understanding." – Carla Meyer,

San Francisco Chronicle The ''San Francisco Chronicle'' is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. It was founded in 1865 as ''The Daily Dramatic Chronicle'' by teenage brothers Charles de Young and M. H. de Young, Michael H. ...

"Wedded Bliss at Frameline28," ''San Francisco Chronicle'' June 13, 2004

inal Edition Inal may refer to: * Inal (name), both a given name and a surname *Inal Nekhu also known as Inal the Great, Circassian king * İnal, Osmancık * Inal, Mauritania, a village and rural commune in Mauritania * Beylik of İnal, small principality in ea ...

/ref> * "Most people will probably be put off by the relentless violence. But if you can stick it out, you will find yourself asking some Big Picture questions." – Steve Weinstein,

New York Blade ''The New York Blade'' was a free weekly newspaper focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) issues in New York City, New York. The ''Blade'' was a member of the National Gay Newspaper Guild, and contained news, entertainment, ...

References

External links

Official site
*

– Interview with director Christian Calson {{DEFAULTSORT:Shiner (Film) 2004 films American LGBTQ-related films American independent films 2000s English-language films 2000s American films 2004 LGBTQ-related films American drama films 2000s LGBTQ-related drama films