The Dark Backward

R

1991

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

List

45%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

60%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Life changes for a garbageman/would-be comic (Judd Nelson) when a third arm starts growing out of his back.

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phillip o

If you're into the strange and unusual, this is the one for you. Not for the squeamish

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of the more original films I've ever seen. Paxton gives an incredible performance. Rifkin fan for life from this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Unforgettable, dark humored, hillariousness, all star cast. CULT CLASSIC. Take me back to the late 80s vibe. Inspirational.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

anthony b

The cult film that never attracted the cult. The Dark Backwards is Terry Gilliam meets John Waters and is easily one of the most original, refreshing, not to mention grotesque, film to come out of the 90s. Say what you will about a movie where a garbage man/aspiring comedian grows a third arm out of his back, this one is an endearing gem.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

My absolute favorite movie ever! Alan Rifkin does a beautiful job drawing you into his Blumps fueled journey. He takes you down a bizarre path, stops you, then takes you again. The cinematography is exceptional. The actors were all top-notch. I heard that Judd Nelson was first rejected--too much of a 'pretty boy'. He was desperate for the role and so went to comedy clubs in character. That's dedication. This movie is wonderfully crafted. It achieves a level of depravity that rivals John Waters. Bill Paxton is a human cockroach. He plays it spectacularly. The script is genius. The writing brings you to new levels of absurdity. I'm laughing, and not "on the inside". This movie is not for the feint as it is definitely a journey of the senses. I actually own 2 copies in case I lose one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

william s

What a weird.......what the hell did I just watch.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Adam Rifkin

Director

Judd Nelson

Marty Malt

Bill Paxton

Gus

Wayne Newton

Jackie Chrome

Lara Flynn Boyle

Rosarita

James Caan

Dr. Scurvy

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Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 3/5

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Keith Breese

Filmcritic.com

just too off-putting

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 22, 2007

Full Review

Brian Webster

Apollo Guide

Odd and twisted, The Dark Backward has plenty to thrill admirers of ugliness and enough food for thought to interest the rest of us too.

Rated: 74/100

Aug 20, 2007

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

A seriously weird, seriously cool surreal black comedy.

Rated: B

Apr 9, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Aug 29, 2005

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Jon Niccum

Lawrence Journal-World

Strange and hilarious

Rated: 4/5

Apr 23, 2004

Full Review

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Synopsis

Life changes for a garbageman/would-be comic (Judd Nelson) when a third arm starts growing out of his back.

Director: Adam Rifkin
Production Co: Backward Films
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 5, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.9K
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Surround