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The Giant Mechanical Man

  • 2012
  • PG-13
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
11K
YOUR RATING
Jenna Fischer and Chris Messina in The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)
A romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.
Play trailer2:25
1 Video
24 Photos
ComedyDramaRomance

An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.

  • Director
    • Lee Kirk
  • Writer
    • Lee Kirk
  • Stars
    • Jenna Fischer
    • Chris Messina
    • Topher Grace
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    11K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lee Kirk
    • Writer
      • Lee Kirk
    • Stars
      • Jenna Fischer
      • Chris Messina
      • Topher Grace
    • 52User reviews
    • 25Critic reviews
    • 43Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    U.S. Version
    Trailer 2:25
    U.S. Version

    Photos24

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Jenna Fischer
    Jenna Fischer
    • Janice
    Chris Messina
    Chris Messina
    • Tim
    Topher Grace
    Topher Grace
    • Doug
    Malin Akerman
    Malin Akerman
    • Jill
    Rich Sommer
    Rich Sommer
    • Brian
    Lucy Punch
    Lucy Punch
    • Pauline
    Bob Odenkirk
    Bob Odenkirk
    • Mark
    Travis Schuldt
    Travis Schuldt
    • Hal Baker
    Valentine Miele
    • Mahoney
    Sean Gunn
    Sean Gunn
    • George
    Greg Trzaskoma
    • Craig
    Eddie Ebell
    • Mitch
    Chase Kim
    Chase Kim
    • Mitch's Sidekick
    Sarab Kamoo
    Sarab Kamoo
    • Sonia
    John Cabrera
    John Cabrera
    • Toby
    Jennifer O'Kain
    Jennifer O'Kain
    • Camilla
    Nick Holmes
    Nick Holmes
    • Wesley
    Matt Champagne
    • Juice Dad
    • Director
      • Lee Kirk
    • Writer
      • Lee Kirk
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews52

    6.611.1K
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    Featured reviews

    9spandex07

    What a surprise!

    This movie really is a true gem, and as others have said, hasn't received the credit it should have.I really liked that it was more drama than comedy, as so many rom-com's these days come across as being silly and not believable. The characters are genuine and relatable, and it leaves you feeling good without to much "mush". I found that it reminded me of some of the John Hughes classics from the 80's, mainly Valley Girl, which also deals with trying to find your place when you feel like you don't quite fit in to the mold, and how others expectations of you don't help in the struggle..If you loved this movie I can recommend Valley Girl as one to watch. It's another movie that didn't get the credit it deserved and stars a young Nic Cage.. I'll be keeping an eye out for more movies this writer has done. Im sure this one will end up being viewed as a classic in years to come :)
    Logan67

    Heart's in the Right Place

    The Giant Mechanical Man is the story of Janice and Tim. Janice is trying to successfully navigate her way through life while trying to find herself along the way. The fact that she is past the age where one is supposed to preoccupied with such things and that she has to depend on others for financial support makes the task very difficult. Tim, on the other hand, is trying to successfully navigate his way through life while trying not to lose himself. And finding each other, of course, turns out to be just what each needed.

    It's not the most original film. It's self-conscious in an indie sort of way, and it depends upon some pretty big plot contrivances. It's also a bit heavy handed. At one point in the film, a character whose birthday is being celebrated gives the following speech while sitting on top of the bar: "It only takes just one person, just one person, to make you feel special, and valid, and like you belong in the world." Well, yeah, but a bit more understatement would have served the film better here and in other places as well. Still, I liked it. Maybe because I never get tired of films about misfits or films that deal with alienation and the struggle to lead authentic lives and form connections with others. It is the most human theme, the only theme, really, and with respect to it, the film has it's heart in the right place.

    http://manpointing.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-giant-mechanical-man.html
    9mamun1903

    its just wonderful.

    i am really surprised watching its rating in IMDb. Because i think this one is truly an original one. The movie really talks for those people ( i should say people like me ) who really have doubts on the traditional meaning of 'success'. The music and the environment created here is perfect. Most of the movies are made for pure entertainment or time pass, only few tries to deliver a massage. I think this one has done that. Plus i think the tag comedy for this one is itself a 'great comedy'. From now on i surly am going to watch-out for more works of this director.

    All those who are digging there way out in life can really find some true inspiration from this one.
    9mcummins2

    But I NEVER do that!

    Lee Kirk --

    Your movie made me cry ...

    Realizing the significance of the powerful and positive impact that taking the time to "stop and smell the roses" (sorry) can deliver to ones very psyche seems to be unknown, forever lost or perhaps, just ignored by many of us. How did this happen? What factors perpetuate this selfish, though possibly mutually beneficial simple act of awareness? Beats me. Maybe such "numbness" is simply a symptom of that insidious disease commonly known as The Dumbing Down Of America. Don't we all want to understand and to be understood? I do. So,I try.

    Of course, these questions weren't answered in The Giant Mechanical Man, but I've never seen a movie come closer to clearly illustrating those truths. This beautifully written, acted and photographed film is a gem!

    See it. See it without wearing your critic's eyeglasses...shields down! If you do, you'll be rewarded

    THANK YOU!
    9Snikic

    Useful to those who feel lost in life

    I really enjoyed this movie. Sorta low key, more of an indie vibe. If you're in any kind of transient state in your life, relationship-wise, job-wise, whatever... if you're just one of us who feels derailed... lost... pressured.... check out this movie. It's not gonna change your life but it's really enjoyable and helps with perspective. Hat's off to Jenna, great project choice and excellent execution. Well cast. Astonishingly, this movie deals with depressing issues, most likely to be viewed by depressed people, and it pulled off something that they rarely ever do, especially in the world of indie film, it doesn't make you feel depressed, not once it's concluded at least.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jenna Fischer and the director Lee Kirk are married.
    • Goofs
      When Janice's sister and brother-in-law are leaving the restaurant on the double-date, Janice's brother-in-law accidentally leaves with a dinner napkin under his coat.
    • Quotes

      Tim: I think you're just... great. Because you know what's so great about you? You're real. You don't pretend like you've got it all figured out, like everyone else walking around life. You're real. You're genuine, and you notice things, too. You pay attention. Like the monkeys. I don't know. I look at you, and... I can see you. I see you. I don't know. I just think you're great.

    • Crazy credits
      In the first section of the final credits, there are short scenes that are the natural follow-up for the film's story.
    • Alternate versions
      There are two versions available. Runtimes are "1h 35m (95 min)" (worldwide release) and "1h 34m(94 min) (United States)".
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.141 (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      Kids Will Be Skeletons
      Written by Stuart Braithwaite

      Performed by Mogwai

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Giant Mechanical Man?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 27, 2012 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Chuyện tình người khổng lồ
    • Filming locations
      • Detroit, Michigan, USA
    • Production companies
      • Votiv Films
      • ITS Capital
      • Taggart Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $7,396
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,789
      • Apr 29, 2012
    • Gross worldwide
      • $7,396
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 34m(94 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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