The Dark Backward

There are bizarre movies, and then there are movies that are so weird you ask yourself, "What the hell did I just watch?" after. 1991's The Dark Backward definitely falls into the latter.

Judd Nelson stars as Marty Malt, quite possibly the worst stand up comic ever. During his day job as a garbage man, Marty discovers a weird bump on his back. The bump quickly grows into a third arm. Marty's best friend Gus, Bill Paxton, and a sleazy talent agent named Jackie Chrome, Wayne Newton, see this as a gimmick that Marty can use in his act. They also see it as way to exploit his deformity for their own wealth and fame. This third apendage turns out to be a blessing and a curse for Marty.

Writer/director Adam Rifkin has created an alternate universe that is built on refuse and the grotesque. And it is a pretty amazing universe to visit. He has assembled a very talented, and attractive cast, which includes Lara Flynn Boyle, James Cann, and Rob Lowe, and shoots them in the most unflattering ways. Everyone on screen looks as though they have been wallowing around in trash for days.Covered in sweat and dirt, they seem to be having a blast. It is so seeped in filth that it will most likely make you feel queasy afterwards.

This might not sound like a ringing endorsement, but I do love this movie. There really is nothing else like it. I'm just picky about who I recommend it to.

It's available on dvd.