THE BIG KAHUNA

Year: 1999
USA: Lions Gate Films
UK: Redbus Film Distribution
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, Peter Facinelli, Paul Dawson
Director: John Swanbeck
Country: USA
USA: 90 mins
UK: 91 mins
USA Rated: R for language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language
USA Release Date: 19 May 2000 (Limited Release - wider)
USA Release Date: 12 May 2000 (Limited Release)
USA Release Date: 28 April 2000 (Limited Release - Los Angeles and New York)
UK Release Date: 15 October 2004 (Limited Release - London)

Synopsis

The psyche of a salesman as unveiled in such literary classics as Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross" is again explored in this dark satirical comedy written by Roger Rueff.

Kevin Spacey takes the leading role of Larry, the consummate slick and articulate salesman. His sharp tongue is his weapon, yet masks a frail veil of insecurity.

Danny DeVito portrays Phil, a philosophical veteran salesman: said it all, seen it all. Recently divorced from his wife, Phil no longer finds the thrill of making a sale. He and Larry constantly spar verbally, yet underlying is their mutual respect and the trust they have in each other.

Peter Facinelli plays Bob, a young and seemingly vulnerable new member of the sales team. Both Phil and Larry rapidly give him a crash course into the "joys" of salesmanship, as well as their reflections on life, on women, on customers, and on God.

The story takes place during a sales convention where Phil and Larry hope to land the big sale that will shore up the failing future of the company they represent. The Hospitality Suite in a tired mid-west hotel is hardly inspirational, but during their enforced time together whilst awaiting "the big fish," Larry, Phil and Bob peel back the pieces of their lives.

This is the directorial debut of John Swanbeck.