Intelligence
Directed
by
Michael Gaylin U S A / 2006 / 15minutes In Arabic, and English
Screening
Times and Venues:
This film is one of many short films in the short program UNDER PRESSURE.
SYNOPSIS:
Deep in an Abbu Ghraib-like prison, the war raging just outside, three detainees wait to be questioned. One is surely a dangerous terrorist. But which one? In this powerful political satire of hubris, war and the tragic consequences of miscommunication, director Michael Gaylin creates a Kubrikian nightmare, a pitch-black comedy, where the fate of the detainees, the American soldiers and the war itself rests on the negligible talents of an inept translator, and a simple slip of the tongue may lead to a heartbreaking conclusion for all concerned.
BIO:
Michael Gaylin
Michael Gaylin spent many years as a screenwriter, working with such producers as John Davis, Gale Anne Hurd, Luc Besson, and Jerry Bruckheimer. His first produced feature, "No Escape," starring Ray Liotta was number one at the box office opening week. (Okay, but, umÉnot much longer.)
Though he has had a modicum of success over the years as a writer, Michael's labors seemed to get him no closer to his ultimate goal. That's right - what he really wanted to do is direct. Frustrated, he began to drift away from Hollywood - traveling to such exotic places as Mexico and New Jersey. He finally settled in Woodstock, New York where he has started to raise a family, continues to write, and teaches screenwriting to na•ve and trusting students at Marist College.
At last, Michael is avidly pursuing his ambition to be a filmmaker, beginning with his first film, the controversial short, "Intelligence." He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Lumet, Kazan and Kubrik, among others, who have inspired him to try to tell stories that take on issues of social and political importance. "Intelligence" is a dark, comedic thriller about how a simple breakdown in communication can lead to tragic consequences. It also, hopefully, raises questions about some of the troubling issues relating to our country's methods of fighting the "war on terror." Michael looks forward to the possibility of a continuing career as a filmmaker with a particular interest in exploring issues that involve civil rights, justice and the dignity of the human spirit.
He's also free to direct the next X-Men sequel if asked.
David Smilow
Writer David Smilow's show business career began on his first birthday, when his father turned a movie camera on him and he walked - for the first time. He's been creating dramatic moments ever since, having written for film, the stage and television. His work on the latter has garnered an Emmy, and two Writers Guild Awards, while his short plays have received productions literally across the globe.
David lives in upstate New York, where he is a member of Actors & Writers, a theatre company of, yes, actors and writers. "Intelligence" was adapted from his play "Brief Intel-ude" which premiered in 2004 as part of the annual Actors & Writers 10-minute play festival.
MAIN CREDITS:
Cast/Featuring:
Chris Quinn, Davis Hall, Manny Piatos, Muhammed Rum, Ozzie Fiaz,
Peter Handy
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