Publish or Perish

Easily one of the top 5 films I've seen in 2023... A filmmaker with a real vision.

The dialogue, characters, story, and overall polish make this a must watch! In fact immediately after watching it I was ready for another viewing. The twists, turns, shocking events, suspense, comedy, and character all work so so so well together.

What David has done hear is make something greater than the sum of it's parts. A strong script, strong performances, an intriguing premise, and pacing all come together in this one.

It's getting in to film festivals across the county and with good reason. This is a MASTERPIECE.

This funny dark comedy will keep you riveted to your seats throughout! The storyline centers around an English professor obsessed by securing a tenured position in a college but a number of unusual events in his life places unexpected and unusual obstacles in his path. Some scary moments but they are largely balanced by really funny scenes and sometimes subtle humor. This movie will make you wonder throughout, how it possibly could end, in light of all improbable situations encountered by the main character.

The actors did a wonderful job overall, by providing the audience with many opportunities to laugh wholeheartedly in spite of some scary situations.

If I could give 100 stars to this movie I would. The story is so unique. Not very often you see a movie about the protocols in academia. Even through some audiences won't know about the specifics because they haven't lived it, it still relatable to everyone. The movie is funny in the way things are spoken about and how the storytelling develops. The directing is magnificent. The cinematography, editing and actors work is exceptional. I recommend it to people who enjoy dark comedies that are well structured. I fully connected with the story and the characters in a very special way. And believe me when I say I am very critical of movies. This film is one of a kind! Well done to the production team!

I had the pleasure to see "Publish or Perish" theatrically for the first time at the Oceanside Intenational Film Festival.

What you notice is that the film is complelling from the very beginning to the last scene. Seeing it with a live audience has an impact as they react to some of the most shocking events that unfold is dark suspense comedy. If you like the Coen Brothers style and substance then David Liban's feature will entertain and draw you deep into the main characters dilemma.

This is a polished gem, in which every character has a reason to antagonize our hero in his quest for the academic gold ring of tenure at any cost.

"Publish or Perish," the latest film from writer-director David Liban, is a tense and thought-provoking dark comedy that explores the dark side of ambition and obsession.

The movie centers around a professor named Jim Bowden, played brilliantly by Timothy McCracken, who is determined to get tenure at his university. When he accidentally kills a student and tries to cover it up, his life begins to spiral out of control, leading him down a dangerous path of deceit and paranoia.

James Shanklin delivers a standout performance as Dean Crawley, the university official who becomes suspicious of Bowden's behavior and starts to investigate him. The tension between the two characters is palpable, and the scenes they share are some of the most gripping in the film.

Director David Liban masterfully weaves together a tightly knit plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The pacing is just right, and the story unfolds in a way that feels both organic and unpredictable.

What really sets "Publish or Perish" apart, however, is its exploration of the themes of ambition and obsession. The movie asks important questions about the price of success and the lengths people are willing to go to achieve it. It's a thought-provoking and timely examination of the pressures that individuals face in today's society.

Overall, "Publish or Perish" is a powerful film that delivers on every level. It's a must-see for anyone who enjoys dark comedies or is interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.