In his first foray into film, one of Australia’s most loved comedians, Carl Barron, plays comedian Manny Lewis in a hilarious yet moving tale of the struggle to find love and connect in a meaningful way.
The film’s protagonist, Manny, is a somewhat stereotypical comedian – hilarious on stage, but lonely off it. Despite his stellar career, his personal life is going nowhere fast and his agent and only friend Jimmy (Damien Garvey) and father Lyle (Roy Billing), with whom his relationship is tense to say the least, are convinced that meeting a good woman is all he needs to turn it around.
One particularly lonely night Manny calls a fantasy hotline and connects with Caroline (Leeanna Walsman). By chance he meets her real life persona, Maria, in his local Kings Cross café and they instantly connect.
Several dates follow as the relationship blossoms, but Manny’s fear of commitment and rejection holds him back from allowing Maria to see the real him. This is relayed in his nightly calls to Caroline, who uses this inside knowledge to change little things about herself, making her more attractive to him every time they meet. But is it enough and will he take the leap needed to keep her?
Manny Lewis is a solid modern day love story with all its awkward moments, ups and downs that makes it a really heart warming affair. There are numerous moments throughout the film where it’s unclear if you’re watching Manny or just Carl by another name, particularly during the stand up routines, so for any Barron fan this is an absolute must see.
An impressively strong debut for Barron, not just in an acting role but also writing, directing and producing. Watch this space to see what he does next!
Manny Lewis is showing in cinemas from Thursday 12 March.
Helen Lear
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