“Plastic Bones” is a short film by comedian/actor Simon Gissler. He’s apparently one of the many talented artists struggling down in the Los Angeles area. I really don’t know much about him. He has a handful of credits on IMDb. And his bio on the Hollywood Fringe website says that he makes “high concept comedy shows with his sketch team Fish Licks.”

My sister introduced me to this short (6-minute) film that he wrote, produced, and co-directed. It’s shockingly effective, especially for something literally produced with pocket change.

About “Plastic Bones”

It tells the story of Human, who made the mistake of renting a place close to the cemetery. This has caused a local skeleton to begin stalking him. But it has anything but ill intentions. And thus begins a wild ride of comedy, romance, and murder. It also presents an object lesson in the importance of tipping. (See also: Michael Kallio‘s “The Texas Chainsaw Manicure.”)

The film is produced efficiently. It is shot entirely without a lighting kit. The coverage provides enough variety without getting cute. And it is combined with perfectly coordinated sound editing. It and Gissler’s goofy performance are what make it all work so well. But that shouldn’t take away from its solid script that takes the narrative in places that aren’t obvious. And Gregory Dean is excellent as all the other non-skeletons.

“Plastic Bones” is a good example of my belief that all major productions should be made with half as much money. The savings could then be given to poor filmmakers. And then we’d get a lot more films worth watching. First, I think big-budget producers would be more creative with less money. Second, no-budget producers would be more creative with some money.

But I can’t say that “Plastic Bones” would be better with more money. A lot of its charm comes from its lack of resources. And it shows just how powerful one unique idea is when it is well executed.

Watch “Plastic Bones”

Have a watch! It’s short and almost no one has seen it!

---

Simon Gissler image taken from Hollywood Fringe under Fair Use.