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» » Gray Christmas (2005)

Short summary

Three darkly comedic stories slowly reveal the connections between themselves and their characters on a winter's night.

First day of shooting was ruined due to frozen cameras in Canadian winter exteriors.

Actress Daniela Gonzalez (Nell) nearly got hypothermia from shooting exteriors in -20C weather in only a mini-skirt and light jacket.

Won three awards at Young Cuts International Film Festival: Best Film, Best Actress, Best Original Music. Nominated: Best Director, Best Cinematography.

The abridged version made by the movie's editor in 2007 for television broadcast is almost half the length of the original 2004 festival version.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Anararius
    I had a chance to see this film at the YoungCuts Film Festival, and I was really impressed with (a) the production quality, (b) the writing, (c) the film score, and (d) the overall performances of the actors. I don't think you can pigeon-hole this film, it's a bit of drama, comedy, satire, and a dig at traditional Christmas movies.

    Production quality: I believe this was shot on a high-end miniDV cam, and you can really see the difference. You'll notice the quality from the very first frame.

    Writing: the writing is really tight, I like the way the different stories are somehow linked together. A clever idea, but also well executed.

    Music: I loved the jazzy score, with a hint of Christmas jingles. Really catchy, I was still humming it to myself days later. Acting: Solid performances from this young group of performers (under 25 years old).

    If you get a chance, contact the filmmaker and ask for a copy.
  • comment
    • Author: Micelhorav
    Great piece of cinema, truly a showcase of young talent with a future.

    The cine is quite nice, certain shots and rack focuses show that the filmmaker has a sound knowledge and talent for photographing the moving image.

    The DV short looks remarkably like film.

    Storytelling and editing is very cinematic. It's not easy to have three planes of stories develop individually and then climax collectively, but Mike pulled it off, with a quality reminiscent of Ritchie's "Snatch".

    Well Done Donis.
  • comment
    • Author: Milleynti
    I thought this was a particular good attempt at a dark comedy. Considering the entire thing was shot with generally natural lighting and with a DVX100, the cinematography is impressive.

    The acting throughout most of it is generally good utilizing some great "pro-bono" talents. Some of the writing could have gone with less swearing, but I suppose that was in the nature of the "dark" part of the comedy.

    The lighting in the car sequence is great! How did you manage to do that without a rig? I would recommend seeing this at least once. Has some good parts and if you're into independent cinema, you'll have a good time.
  • Credited cast:
    Warren Bain Warren Bain - Stewart
    Jeff Churchill Jeff Churchill - Ryan
    Daniela Gonzalez Daniela Gonzalez - Nell
    Elizabeth Greig Elizabeth Greig - Alicia
    Marc Stefanski Marc Stefanski - Jimmy
    Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
    Andy Dick Andy Dick - Georgie
    Jimmy Givelas Jimmy Givelas - The Boss
    Bob Johnston Bob Johnston - Police Officer
    John Kraft John Kraft - The Pimp
    Kathy McGinn Kathy McGinn - Woman at Table
    Rob Yaneff Rob Yaneff - Man at Bar
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