Tin Can Man (film)

Lore & Background

Tin Can Man premiered at the Sydney Underground Film Festival. Despite critical acclaim, it remained in distribution limbo until 2014, when it was released on DVD and Video On Demand by Brink Vision. The plot centers on Pete, a man whose life has been full of letdowns and disappointments. His girlfriend has left him for another man, and he works a job he despises. One night, alone in his apartment, he is visited by a mysterious stranger who compels him on a dark and twisted journey.

Reader's Guide

Tin Can Man received mostly positive reviews, with the atmosphere, photography, and performances from the two leads being singled out. Film Ireland wrote that Kavanagh created 'a slice of unrelenting demented thrills.' Many reviews noted the influence of David Lynch; Pop Horror called it 'a David Lynch film that David Lynch didn't direct – a surreal, noir-like nightmare.' Its low budget constraints were praised by Staying Scared, who noted that 'by utilizing shades of Twilight Zone type eerie and weird camera angles used to near perfection, suspense and horror are created from virtually nothing.' Horror News.Net had mixed feelings, praising the performances of O'Donnell and Parle but noting that Parle 'masterfully makes the character of Dave into a menacing, insane threat.' Paul Freitag-Fey of Daily Grindhouse gave a mixed verdict, stating that the protagonist is 'not someone you can root for or readily identify with,' but also concluded that 'the first half hour, however, sports an intensity that few films can reach.' The film's unusual black-and-white, 4:3 presentation and its journey from festival premiere to delayed release contribute to its cult status.

Did You Know?

• The film was shot in black and white in a 4:3 aspect ratio, unusual for a modern film.
• It premiered at the Sydney Underground Film Festival.
• Despite critical acclaim, it remained in distribution limbo until 2014.
• Pop Horror described it as 'a David Lynch film that David Lynch didn't direct.'