Obsessed with
Celebrity Poker? Can’t wait for the BRAVO programming scheduling
announcing the
new season? Even the Indian gaming casinos are too far away? Take heart,
my friends because Bison Motion Pictures has the cure for gambling fever
with its new release, SIXES AND THE ONE EYED KING.
Making its World Premier debut at the
Dances With Films Festival at the Fairfax Laemmle on Tuesday, July 25,
2006 at 9:30 p.m., this is one of the most original motion picture
concepts to come along in a while, let alone to grace a film festival.
I recently had a chance to speak with
director/writer Ray Robison, co-writer Patricia Snyder and some of the
cast members about the film and at first blush, I must say, I am
impressed. A dedicated, humble yet enthusiastic group, this film is
essentially a two year labor of love.
 The
only Oregon film in the competition (yes, folks, filmmakers and
festivals come togther from all points of the globe), SIXES AND THE ONE
EYED KING is set against backdrop of gambling and specifically,
Russian-Roulette. The game is simple. Under the watchful eye of The
Facilitator, six contenders vie for a million dollars or more playing
Russian Roulette. A couple of problems though. Since Russian Roulette
involves death of the competition, the contenders must have known
suicidal tendencies. Making the stakes even higher, some side bets being
placed over the Internet by some high rollers. Adding even more intrigue
is the fact that one of the players may be the missing cousin of one of
the unseen Internet gamblers. Oh yeah, and its his mistress that tips
him off. Got your attention yet?
An interesting cast of characters, former
Torrance resident/police officer/attorney Bob Armstrong
steps in a Mr. J, the mysterious Internet high roller. His mistress
Cynthia is played by Alexia Stingley. A last minute casting, Alexia
faced the added challenge of speaking entirely in Spanish for the part.
Tamara Barrus makes her feature film debut as Brittany, an annoying
former drug addict turned Bible thumping fanatic. 20 year veteran of
film and tv, Scott Ford, steps in as Andy, a contestant with not just a
past, but an angry past. Willing to do whatever it takes to win, he a
man to watch. Prior suicide game player Frank is effectively played by
Scott McEnroe. (Okay, being a prior game player and coming back for more
- did he win or lose? A win to some may be a loss to another. Wonder
what it means to Frank? Watch the film to find out!)
 Principal
digital photography began in October 2004 and thanks to a very limited
independent budget ($10,000.00), ultimately wrapped in January 2006,
with post-production completed a month later. Under the guidance of
Director of Photography George Headley, SIXES is shot in black and white
and has elements harkening back to films like “Laura” or even
classic episodic television such as “The Twilight Zone”. And in
traditional indie style, the crew all wore multiple hats, not the least
of which was writer Patricia Snyder who also serves as Script
Supervisor. A rarity to find on low budget independents, SIXES is
fortunate to have Snyder fill that void and aid in presenting a
streamlined continuity in the project.
An intriguing, creative work, SIXES AND
THE ONE EYED KING is one gamble worth taking. For tickets and theatre
location, long onto www.danceswithfilms.com.
Frank: Scott McEnroe Andy: Scott Ford
Dana: Nicole Strykowski Tamara Barrus: Brittany
The Facilitator: Tom Daniella
Directed by Ray Nomoto Robison. Written
by Ray Robison and Patricia Snyder. English and Spanish with English
sub-titles. (100 min) Unrated, the film is aimed at a mature audience
due to language, violence and brief nudity.
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