The Novel That Gary Tanner Wrote (2003)

As the title suggests, this quirky film is the story of novelist Gary Tanner (Timothy C. Arthur), a man who has pretty much lost everything he's cherished in his life, including his wife, in order to devoting his energies to writing "The Great American Novel".
Supported by his friend Brian (Wilbur Scott), Gary is off to a good start when he starts having to do increasingly desperate things. When he runs out of money and his typewriter breaks, he "whores himself out" to his neighbor Michelle (April Knapp), and kills the repairman who comes to collect when his check bounces.
Soon, Gary finds out that he has to continue to kill and do increasingly disgusting things to keep his goals focused: to finish his novel. Despite misgivings from Brian and his family doctor (Melissa H. Green), Gary slips into insanity and is forced to do the ultimate sacrifice in order to wrap up his story.

Behind The Scenes:

"This was a lot of fun to do, even the part with the YMCA dance." laughs Scott.
This film was Arthur and Knapp's last appearance to date in one of Scott's productions. "I believe they got married not long after we made this, and I wish them all the best since I don't get to see them much anymore." Scott also worked for the first time with Tim Sabin, a co-worker who Scott approached to do the voice of literary agent Keighley. "Tim did a good job with the role, since it was done on the spur and with just a few read-throughs on a slow Sunday night. We just picked an empty room where we worked, broke out the recording equipment, and laid down the vocal track. Done pretty well."

Cast:

Gary Tanner: Timothy C. Arthur
Bryan L. Custer: Wilbur Scott
Michelle Ivan: April Knapp
Dr. Alexandra Santoni: Melissa H. Green
Ken Daggett: Wilbur Scott
Stephen Keighley: Tim Sabin

Crew:

Directed by Wilbur Scott
Produced by Wilbur Scott & Melissa H. Green
Screenplay by Wilbur Scott
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