Writer-director Eric Blakeney tells the darkly comic tale of Charlie Mayough (Liam Neeson), an undercover DEA agent who narrowly escapes death at the hands of mobsters. He only wants to retire, but reluctantly agrees to close this last case. His stress leads him to group therapy, where he befriends a group of unhappy men who are dealing with their own, more mundane, job stress. Charlie also suffers from gastrointestinal problems, and while receiving a barium enema, he meets, and falls for, the quirky nurse (Sandra Bullock) who performs the unpleasant procedure. Meanwhile, his final case brings him into contact with Fulvio Nesstra (Oliver Platt, in an over-the-top comic performance), an insanely violent mobster with a surprisingly tender side. Fulvio's secret passion is his failing tomato garden. GUN SHY breaks down the typical undercover agent yarn to uncover its psychological, and sometimes scatological, roots. Blakeney takes the outline of a typical undercover agent drama (such as the superb DONNIE BRASCO) and adds a heavy dose of quirky humor. Platt is very funny. Bullock, in a supporting role, is charming as usual. And Neeson delivers a strong performance that balances the wackiness of the script with just the right degree of gravity.
Theatrical release: February 4, 2000
Writer-director Blakeney once wrote for the television series, BAYWATCH.
Mitch Pileggi (Halvenshaw) is best known for playing Skinner on the television series, THE X FILES.
Mary McCormack (Gloria Nesstra) played Alison Stern, Howard Stern's long-suffering wife, in PRIVATE PARTS.
Andrew Lauer (Jason Cane) was once a celebrity contestant on the E! cable network game show, SEARCH PARTY.
Producer-actor Sandra Bullock (Judy Tipp) also executive produced the film's soundtrack album.
Paul Ben-Victor played Moe Howard in the TV movie, THE THREE STOOGES.
Excerpt: "Judy Tipp. I'm the enema queen."--Judy (Bullock) introduces herself to Charlie (Neeson).
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Stars
Liam Neeson: Irish actor, EXCALIBUR/SCHINDLER'S LIST
Oliver Platt: Actor, BEETHOVEN
Sandra Bullock: American actress, MISS CONGENIALITY, CRASH,
Jose Zuniga: Actor/"Crooklyn"
Richard Schiff: Actor
Mary McCormack: Actress, IN PLAIN SIGHT
Mitch Pileggi: American Actor, THE X-FILES (Skinner)
Michael Weatherly:
Andrew Lauer: American TV/Film Actor
Director
Eric Blakeney: Director
Producer
Sandra Bullock: American actress, MISS CONGENIALITY, CRASH,
Screenwriter
Eric Blakeney: Director
Composer
Rolfe Kent: Producer/Composer, MERCY (1996)
Editor
Pamela Martin: editor
Director of Photography
Tom Richmond: Indie cinematographer
Production Designer
Maher Ahmad: Production Designer, THE GUARDIAN (2006)
Costume Designer
Mary Claire Hannan: Costume Designer
Review 1:
"...Liam Neeson is ideally cast....Oliver Platt's in-your-face mobster is unfailingly enjoyable..."
Source: Total Film
p.103 12/01/2000
Review 2:
"...Bullock produced GUN SHY and her wholesome persona pervades the film..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.48-9 12/01/2000
Review 3:
"...Neeson is quite credible....It's an enjoyable and competent piece of work..."
Source: Box Office
p.247 04/01/2000
Review 4:
"...[Reminiscent] of a Preston Sturges screwball classic....[A] frequently hilarious charmer..." -- 3 out of 5 stars
Source: Premiere
p.100 07/01/2000