Unfinished Business
From the Archives
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02-Nov-2020
A male stripper has an unusual experience on the job in Mary Dauterman’s “Unfinished Business.” From a script co-written by Jenny Donheiser, the film is an awkward comedy that uses 1980’s costuming and choreography to highlight its dingy tableaus and expressionless ladies. When he arrives to a motel in the middle of nowhere, the dancer takes in his surroundings. The room full of women with blank stares dressed in old-fashioned business garb gives off a strange vibe, but he tries to just go with it. As he begins his dance, he asks the women if they are in town for business or pleasure, and what they are celebrating. He doesn’t get an answer for either question, and things start to get weird. Specializing in short & sweet comedies often with an unsettling bent (see also: “Wakey Wakey” and “Elizabeth,” which we featured around this time last year), Dauterman keeps it snappy and light, and caps it off with a spooky twist. -KA.
Directed by Mary Dauterman. Written by Mary Dauterman and Jenny Donheiser. Starring Sam Taggart. With Jenny Donheiser, Nicole Spiezio, Arielle Siegel & Meagan Kensil. Produced by Leah Donnenberg, Sarah Donnenberg & Kirstin Vanskiver. Associate Produced by Kate Kennard. Cinematography by Kenny Suleimanagich. Edited by Lindsey Nadolski. Wardrobe Phil Gomez. Choreographer Ani Taj. A SLMBR PRTY Film.
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