movie shark deblore
Film Critic to the Culver City Observer and over 132 Publications Worldwide including: The Observer, Inc., John Schimmenti, Inc., CCN, Inc.,
Santa Monica Observer, Inc., Beacon-Times, Inc., Columbus-Register, Inc., and a Host of Others

Sixes and the One Eyed King

by

debbie lynn elias

Obsessed with Celebrity Poker? Can’t wait for the BRAVO programming scheduling announcing the new season? Even the Indian gaming casinos are too far away? Take heart, my friends because Bison Motion Pictures has the cure for gambling fever with its new release, SIXES AND THE ONE EYED KING.

Making its World Premier debut at the Dances With Films Festival at the Fairfax Laemmle on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 9:30 p.m., this is one of the most original motion picture concepts to come along in a while, let alone to grace a film festival.

I recently had a chance to speak with director/writer Ray Robison, co-writer Patricia Snyder and some of the cast members about the film and at first blush, I must say, I am impressed. A dedicated, humble yet enthusiastic group, this film is essentially a two year labor of love.

The only Oregon film in the competition (yes, folks, filmmakers and festivals come togther from all points of the globe), SIXES AND THE ONE EYED KING is set against backdrop of gambling and specifically, Russian-Roulette. The game is simple. Under the watchful eye of The Facilitator, six contenders vie for a million dollars or more playing Russian Roulette. A couple of problems though. Since Russian Roulette involves death of the competition, the contenders must have known suicidal tendencies. Making the stakes even higher, some side bets being placed over the Internet by some high rollers. Adding even more intrigue is the fact that one of the players may be the missing cousin of one of the unseen Internet gamblers. Oh yeah, and its his mistress that tips him off. Got your attention yet?

An interesting cast of characters, former Torrance resident/police officer/attorney Bob Armstrong steps in a Mr. J, the mysterious Internet high roller. His mistress Cynthia is played by Alexia Stingley. A last minute casting, Alexia faced the added challenge of speaking entirely in Spanish for the part. Tamara Barrus makes her feature film debut as Brittany, an annoying former drug addict turned Bible thumping fanatic. 20 year veteran of film and tv, Scott Ford, steps in as Andy, a contestant with not just a past, but an angry past. Willing to do whatever it takes to win, he a man to watch. Prior suicide game player Frank is effectively played by Scott McEnroe. (Okay, being a prior game player and coming back for more - did he win or lose? A win to some may be a loss to another. Wonder what it means to Frank? Watch the film to find out!)

Principal digital photography began in October 2004 and thanks to a very limited independent budget ($10,000.00), ultimately wrapped in January 2006, with post-production completed a month later. Under the guidance of Director of Photography George Headley, SIXES is shot in black and white and has elements harkening back to films like “Laura” or even classic episodic television such as “The Twilight Zone”. And in traditional indie style, the crew all wore multiple hats, not the least of which was writer Patricia Snyder who also serves as Script Supervisor. A rarity to find on low budget independents, SIXES is fortunate to have Snyder fill that void and aid in presenting a streamlined continuity in the project.

An intriguing, creative work, SIXES AND THE ONE EYED KING is one gamble worth taking. For tickets and theatre location, long onto www.danceswithfilms.com.

Frank: Scott McEnroe Andy: Scott Ford Dana: Nicole Strykowski Tamara Barrus: Brittany

The Facilitator: Tom Daniella

Directed by Ray Nomoto Robison. Written by Ray Robison and Patricia Snyder. English and Spanish with English sub-titles. (100 min) Unrated, the film is aimed at a mature audience due to language, violence and brief nudity.