Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire

Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 90 min.
Release date: December 8, 2000
Cast: Derick Martini, Christa Miller, Steven Martini, Bill Henderson, Amy Hathaway

Synopsis

Chris Remi (Derick Martini) and his younger brother Tony (Steven Martini) have been complete opposites since childhood, so much so that their half-Native American grandmother gave them nicknames symbolizing their distinctive personalities. Lighthearted and carefree Tony is "Smiling Fish," and his perpetually pensive older brother Chris is called "Goat on Fire."

Now grown, the Remi brothers haven't changed much. Having lost both their parents in a car accident, Chris and Tony live together in their childhood home in Los Angeles. At 25, Chris is a hyper-responsible accountant going through an extremely rocky patch with his longtime girlfriend Alison (Amy Hathaway), who has lately begun crying during sex. Tony, barely into his 20's, is happy and carefree, a struggling actor who cheats on his steady girlfriend Nicole (Heather Jae Marie).

Chris' workdays get a lift when he starts chauffeuring his boss' 80 year-old uncle, Clive Winters (Bill Henderson), to the office. A true romantic with the experience to justify it, Clive is a retired sound man who regales Chris with stories from his Hollywood past and of the woman he fell in love with while working on a Paul Robeson movie.

Clive knows a little something about chemistry, and his insights on love give Chris pause. When the mercurial Alison rebuffs him yet again, Chris begins to look elsewhere. He meets Anna (Rosemarie Addeo), an attractive Italian woman who works as an animal wrangler, at a Christmas party and a new romance begins.

In the meantime, Tony meets Kathy (Christa Miller), a smart, down-to-earth mail carrier who relocated from Wyoming to L.A. to help further her young daughter Natalie's (Nicole Ray) acting career. Immediately taken with the youngster, Tony also finds himself attracted to her mother in a way he's never experienced. But he has to act fast, because if Natalie and Tony don't get the television part they are up for, Kathy and Natalie are headed back to Wyoming - and out of his life.

Chris and Tony try to help one another puzzle out the shifting pieces of their lives. Faced with some of the biggest decisions they will ever have to make, the brothers learn that fraternal love means not only companionship and caring, but also growing up and moving forward.

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Back Story

Kevin, Steven & Derick at the Toronto Film Festival

Kevin Jordan's "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" stars real-life brothers Derick and Steven Martini as Chris and Tony Remi. The film follows the brothers as they journey from problematic romantic relationships towards a new understanding of love, life and family. It is a story of growing up and moving on and being open to surprises along the way. Above all, "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" is a fond and funny look at what is means to be brothers.

"Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" brought together three old friends, Kevin Jordan, Derick Martini and Steven Martini, who wrote and produced the film together. Jordan and the Martini Brothers met in their teens, when Steven and Kevin both attended Professional Children's School. All three were actors, and often went on auditions together. After Jordan set his sights on filmmaking, Steven Martini worked with him on his student films. When the Martini brothers, fueled by their desire to do a film together, completed the first draft of "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire," it seemed only natural to call fledgling director Jordan.

Jordan understood the closeness between the Remi brothers, which mirrors that of the Martinis. "Steven and I have a very special relationship. Kevin has two brothers as well, and he has a very similar relationship with them," says Derick Martini, who wrote the original 250-page screenplay on a legal pad. All three drew upon their own personal knowledge and experience as they honed the script. "A lot of stories that are written stress the conflicts between brothers, but we wanted to do what was real for us."

As "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" opens, things are not going especially well for either Chris or Tony, particularly when it comes to their love lives. After a brief trial separation, Chris is back together with his longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart Alison (Amy Hathaway), but their reunion is far from happy. Not only does Alison cry during sex, she's angry to boot.

Still, Chris won't give up on the relationship. "He feels safe," says Derick Martini, who plays the elder Remi brother. "Chris has dealt with a profound loss in his life. His parents have died, and all he has is his brother and his high school sweetheart. He's attached to Alison and clings onto her a little bit. It's one of those relationships that you know deep down is miserable, but you don't face it until something comes along and shakes it up."

The younger Remi's relationship problems are quite different, and completely of his own making. Tony's steady girlfriend, Nicole (Heather Jae Marie), suspects him of cheating because he is. A friendly, cheerful, bundle of energy, Tony is almost childlike in his promiscuity. As Derick Martini describes it, "He's got these little action figures he likes to play with, and he doesn't take anything seriously enough to realize he's hurting these girls. He means well, and he's not malicious about it, but that's how he goes through life. He's a good-looking guy, a personable guy, and girls are drawn to him."

Chris and Tony are also in a rut when it comes to their own relationship. True to their "goat on fire" and "smiling fish" personalities, Chris pays the bills, does the taxes and generally makes sure life is in order; Tony goes on auditions, plays music, and hangs out. "They're not at the point where it's plainly visible that they shouldn't be living in the same house anymore, but it's time," Derick says. "They're both in need of a change."

Helping the overly intense Chris acquire a new perspective is Clive Winters (Bill Henderson), a sly charmer who, at age 80, can make profanity sound dapper. Portrayed by veteran character actor and jazz vocalist Bill Henderson, Clive is a fount of wisdom, particularly about matters of the heart. He immediately intuits Chris' unhappiness with Allison, and just as quickly recognizes that he really belongs with the sweet, funny animal wrangler, Anna (Rosemarie Addeo).

Clive's poetic, moving stories about his lifelong romance with his late wife practically define the nature of true love. Derick Martini says Clive is, "the Yoda of love, the emotional center of the film."

Tony's gradual transformation from goofy playboy into committed partner captures that moment in life when a person realizes he is ready to become an adult. Tony responds far differently to Kathy (Christa Miller) than he has to other women, and he instantly takes a shine to her young daughter, Natalie (Nicole Rae). Mother and daughter strike a deep chord in Tony, who still wishes good morning to his parents' empty bedroom.

"Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" was shot in twelve days on a microscopic budget of $40,000. The Martini brothers and Kevin Jordan called in favors to make that $40,000 stretch as far as it could, availing themselves of truly unique collateral: live lobsters courtesy of "The Lobster Dock," the restaurant owned by Jordan's father. Not surprisingly, the lobsters helped open doors, so to speak. "They come in these crates and it's a really interesting presentation. It's exciting. I mean, who get lobster as a gift?" laughs Derrick Martini.

Revisions on the script continued through pre-production and on the set. Perhaps the most notable change concerned the character of Clive, originally conceived as a small role. Inspired by a real-life sound man Kevin Jordan met while apprenticing on Morocco set of Martin Scorsese's "Kundun," Clive began as a white veteran of Howard Hawks films. But casting the part proved exceptionally difficult and frustrating, so the partners decided to strike it. Then Derick Martini and Kevin Jordan happened upon a television documentary, a portion of which dealt with the all-black studios of the 1930s and 40s.

"They were interviewing this older black man; he must have been 90 years old, but he looked like he was 50. He had one of those great, wrinkly faces, and he was telling this beautiful, wonderful story. The way he told it really kept me rapt," Martini recalls. The character of Clive was rewritten as a black man and the role grew much larger. "That opened the door to Lincoln Motion Picture Company, and all this great history. We started seeing black actors, and then Bill Henderson walked into the room and there was never a choice. I'm not an emotional guy, but he brings tears to my eyes." Henderson also contributed three songs to the film's soundtrack.

There are moments in "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" that echo the Martini brothers' off-screen relationship. Throughout the film, Tony encourages his big brother to rise to action. "We took some of our traits and exaggerated them," says the elder Martini. " Steven's a nudge, he's an imp. And he nudges me all the time, he can't wait to nudge me."

While Martini emphasizes that he and Steven are not playing themselves, there are other reality-based elements of the characters. He found that producing every day while simultaneously playing a lead role made the latter job easier in some respects. "I didn't have to do a lot of work on the character because I was really stressed trying to get the film done. Chris Remi happens to be stuck in an office cubicle, but this is what would have happened if had broken out: he'd go make a movie for $40,000!"


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Well stress is caused by all sorts of situations. For instance I was pouring through all the listings on VRBO looking at Maui condos for rent. You would actually think this should be a pleasurable activity. However the search was also coupled with arranging a MAui wedding and figuring out where all the invited guests would be staying. I finally lucked out finding a local management company that handled loads of Maui condo rentals and also could introduce me to a local wedding planner who handled such desination weddings as I was planning. The people at Maui Beachfront Rentals were amzing. They were able to rederve a block of condo rentals at one of the loviest Maui resotrs for the wedding party. They also helped guests who were planning to attend the wedding with finding other condo rentals in nearby towns. My stress level lowered somewhat when those details were now being handled by these professionals. Now, I knew the Director/Writer/Producer of Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire when we both attended NYU. When the film came out I just had to see it. And likewise when I recently discovered that the domainfor smilingfishmovie.com was available, I had to buy it with the goal of recreating some of its original content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with the movie. I wanted to keep the spirit of the original Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire website intact and encourage others to see the movie on DVD or see it on Netflix. Here's to you Kevin!!

Actors / Crew / Production

 

KEVIN JORDAN (Director/Writer/Producer) is an award-winning graduate of New York University's prestigious film program. He makes his feature film debut with "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire." Jordan enjoyed a distinguished career at NYU, earning the Eastern region's Student Academy Award for his writing and directing debut, "A Ride in the Old Guard". That achievement brought him to the attention of Martin Scorsese, who awarded Jordan the inaugural Young Filmmakers Scholarship. After earning an unprecedented second Student Academy Award for his senior thesis," Enter the Cypha," Jordan graduated with honors and was given NYU's Continued Excellence In Directing Award. Jordan then went on to spend two months in Morocco as Martin Scorsese's apprentice on the set of "Kundun." Jordan has just finished the script for his next feature, ''Zemlee."

Kevin is represented by Paradigm.

 

ABOUT THE CAST:

 

DERICK MARTINI (Chris Remi/Writer/Producer) makes his feature film debut as star, writer and producer of "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire." Martini began acting as a teenager, and has acted in numerous off-Broadway productions. Among his credits are David Mamet's "Sexual Perversity in Chicago" and Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park." He has also appeared on the venerable NBC hit, "Law and Order."

Derik is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency / Acting - Gold Marshack

STEVEN MARTINI (Tony Remi/Writer/Producer/Composer) had a leading role opposite Damon Wayans in the box office hit "Major Payne." An actor since his teens, Martini starred in the 1997 NBC television series "Prince Street." Among his other television credits are the critically acclaimed Fox television film, "The Price of Love" and NBC's "Law and Order." "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" marks Martini's first feature film as screenwriter, producer and composer.

Stephen is represented by Writers and Artists

CHRISTA MILLER (Kathy) currently stars on the hit ABC comedy series, "The Drew Carey Show," rated in the Nielsen Top Ten for the last three seasons. Miller's other television credits include roles in "Seinfeld," "Northern Exposure," and "Party of Five." She recently completed a leading role in John Dichter's feature film, "The Operator".

BILL HENDERSON (Clive Winters/Composer) career in film dates back to Robert Siodmak's 1945 film noir, "The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry." Among Henderson's extensive feature credits are "Trippin'," "Lethal Weapon IV," "Bulworth," "Conspiracy Theory," "City Slickers," "White Men Can't Jump," "Mother," "Jugs & Speed," and "Silver Streak." Henderson was also a featured actor on the popular television series "Harry O." and "Get Christie Love." Henderson is an admired jazz vocalist who continues to tour and draw sell-out crowds. One of the few singer signed to prestigious Blue Note Records, Henderson has performed with such legendary artists as Count Basie, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blackey's Jazz Messengers, and the Horace Silver Quintet. He contributed three songs to the soundtrack of "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire."

AMY HATHAWAY (Alison) had supporting roles in "Courage Under Fire" and "The Client." She recently co-starred opposite Judd Nelson in the independent film, "The Cure for Boredom."

ROSEMARIE ADDEO (Anna) made her feature film debut in the historical comedy "The Royal Scam."

HEATHER JAE MARIE (Nicole) makes her feature film debut in "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire."

 

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CREW / PRODUCTION

SHEILAH GOLDMAN (Executive Producer) is active in both feature film and stage production. She has executive produced a number of independent features and documentaries. Her credits include "Standing on Fishes" , nominated for independent feature of the year at the 1999 Hollywood Film Festival; Cauleen Smith's acclaimed feature debut, "Drylongso"; "Demo Reel", starring Nora Dunn; and the upcoming documentary "Children Underground". She is currently developing a second documentary film. Goldman is the producer of several distinguished stage plays, including Michael Chapiga's award-winning "Getting and Spending," currently being developed for the screen; and "My Most Important Year," an original play that earned three Dramalogue Awards. Most recently, Goldman produced Joan Vall Thorn's "The Exact Center of the Universe", starring Frances Sternhagen.

THOMAS W. LYNCH (Executive Producer) is an executive at Nickelodeon.

FRED IANNONE (Director of Photography) Iannone's career in cinematography dates back to the late 1970's and encompasses feature films, series television and movies of the week, commercials and music videos. He was director of photography on the low-budget feature "The Last Taboo" and has shot several festival short films. A graduate of Boston University, Iannone began his career in NewYork as an assistant cameraman on documentaries, industrials, commercials, and hard news/feature segments, later moving up to second assistant cameraman on television movies of the week and commercials.After relocating to Los Angeles in 1986, Iannone was first assistant cameraman on such feature films as "Father of the Bride," "Dominick & Eugene," "Broken Arrow," and "Deep Blue Sea." He was first assistant cameraman on several television movie and series, including "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "The Pretender" and "The Wonder Years." He also worked on numerous commercials and music videos. As a second unit director and/or camera operator, Iannone's recent credits include the Fox television film "Ali" and TNT's "Washington Slept Here," and the NBC television series "The Pretender" and "Profiler."

KEVIN ANDERSON (Editor) was an editor on Jon Stanley's 1997 feature film "2612 South Avenue West." Anderson is currently editing through Filmcore Green in Santa Monica, CA, where he primarily works on commercials and music videos. At Filmcore, Anderson has worked with agencies such as Widen & Kennedy, Lowe and Partners, The Martin Agency and Tool of North America.

RYAN ROTHMAIER (Editor) "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" is Ryan Rothmaier's first feature as editor.

CHRIS HORVATH (Composer) has an active career in both film music and album projects. A veteran of studio sessions and performances with artists like Ray Charles, Bobby Brown, Toni Childs, and Sheena Easton, Chris now focuses on writing and producing. He recently produced albums by David Isaacs and Holly Long and has had songs in "Erin Brockovitch", "Providence", "Pretender". Chris recently received a PIXIE award for Best Underscore in an internet feature film for "Saving Ryan's Privates". Chris composed the original score for "Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire" and produced "Corduroy Penis" and "A Closer Walk With Thee" for the soundtrack. Go to www.jamnation.com for more info.

KARYN BURGNER (Set Designer) has been production designer on several short and independent films, including "Poor Mrs. Sobel" (consultant), "Bookworms," "Subterranean," and "Learning to Swim."

DEANNA AHO (Set Designer) "Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire" is Deanna Aho's first feature as set designer.

 

 

More Background on SmilingFishMovie.com

SmilingFishMovie.com is the official website dedicated to the independent film Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire, a 1999 romantic comedy-drama that has carved out a unique place in the landscape of American indie cinema. While the website itself serves as a digital home for the film, its significance extends beyond mere promotion, acting as a portal to the movie’s history, critical reception, and enduring cultural resonance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SmilingFishMovie.com—its background, the film it represents, critical and audience reception, press coverage, cultural context, and lasting impact—drawing on a wide array of sources beyond the website itself.

Background and History

The Film’s Genesis and Indie Roots

Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire was conceived and brought to life by brothers Derick and Steven Martini, who not only wrote and produced the film but also starred as the two leads. Directed by Kevin Jordan, the film is a quintessential product of late-1990s American independent cinema, made on a shoestring budget of approximately $40,000 and shot largely in the Martini brothers’ own home. The project’s origins are deeply personal, reflecting the real-life bond and creative synergy between the Martini siblings and their long-time friend Jordan. The film’s authenticity and warmth are evident in its slice-of-life storytelling and intimate character dynamics.

Website Launch and Purpose

SmilingFishMovie.com was established as the film’s official online presence. Like many indie film websites of its era, its primary functions included:

  • Providing information about the film’s cast, crew, and production.

  • Sharing news about festival screenings, theatrical releases, and home video availability.

  • Offering press kits, media coverage, and critical reviews.

  • Serving as a hub for fans and facilitating DVD sales or streaming access.

While the website’s design and content have evolved over time, its core mission has remained: to preserve and promote the legacy of Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire.

About the Film: Plot and Themes

Synopsis

The film centers on two brothers, Chris (Derick Martini) and Tony Remi (Steven Martini), who share a house in Los Angeles. Chris, the elder, is a responsible accountant, while Tony is a carefree aspiring actor. Both are struggling with romantic relationships—Chris with his long-time girlfriend Alison, and Tony with his steady girlfriend Nicole. Their lives are shaken up by new love interests and the sage advice of Clive, an elderly friend who becomes a mentor and father figure.

Key Themes

  • Brotherhood and Family: The film explores the complexities of sibling relationships, especially in the wake of shared loss.

  • Romantic Love: Both brothers navigate the messiness and unpredictability of love, learning from their mistakes and each other.

  • Coming of Age: The narrative is as much about growing up and moving on as it is about finding love.

  • Wisdom and Mentorship: The character of Clive, played by Bill Henderson, provides intergenerational perspective and emotional depth.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Critical Acclaim

Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire received a warm reception on the festival circuit and from critics, particularly for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances. Roger Ebert, one of America’s most respected film critics, praised the film for its “freshness and charm,” noting that it “sneaks up and makes friends” rather than relying on contrived plot twists. Ebert highlighted the authenticity of the Martini brothers’ performances and singled out Bill Henderson’s portrayal of Clive as “surprisingly moving,” especially in evoking the lost world of the African-American film industry.

Festival Success

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it reportedly received multiple standing ovations, particularly for Henderson’s performance. It went on to win the Discovery Award at Toronto and the Audience Award at the Milan International Film Festival. Such accolades are significant for a micro-budget indie film, reflecting both industry respect and audience affection.

User and Audience Reviews

Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes describe the film as “cute and likable,” “a pure treat,” and “a sensitive, subtle film with a lot of heart”. Many viewers appreciate the film’s realism, noting that the characters and relationships feel authentic and relatable. The low-budget production values are frequently mentioned, but rather than detracting from the experience, they are seen as enhancing the film’s intimacy and sincerity.

Selected Audience Comments:

“It’s good sometimes to be reminded we need low budget indie films to tell us warm, genuinely human stories. Despite poor production values, wonderful performances shine through here. Most notable is Bill Henderson giving the performance of his life.”

“This is a film about two brothers who are very different (played by real-life brothers) who both find love, but their love lives are complicated by outside circumstances. Bill Henderson plays the sentimental and lovable Uncle Clive … whose memories of his own true love help Chris make decisions about his own life. This is a wonderful movie.”

Aggregate Scores

  • IMDb user rating: Noted as positive, with several enthusiastic user reviews.

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Audience reviews are generally favorable, with the film holding a solid rating for an indie release.

Press and Media Coverage

Major Outlets and Notable Critics

  • Roger Ebert: As mentioned, Ebert’s review is one of the film’s most influential endorsements, helping to raise its profile among cinephiles and festival audiences.

  • Toronto International Film Festival: The film’s selection and success at TIFF brought it to the attention of international audiences and distributors.

  • Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb: Both sites have featured the film, with Rotten Tomatoes providing a platform for both critics and audience reviews.

Media Highlights

  • The film’s micro-budget and DIY ethos have been frequently highlighted in press coverage, often drawing comparisons to other indie successes like The Brothers McMullen.

  • Bill Henderson’s performance has been a focal point in media discussions, with many reviewers noting the rarity and value of strong roles for elderly actors in American cinema.

Audience and Cultural Significance

Target Audience

The film and its website have primarily appealed to:

  • Fans of independent and low-budget cinema.

  • Viewers seeking character-driven stories about family and relationships.

  • Supporters of diverse representation, particularly in the portrayal of elderly and African-American characters.

Cultural and Social Impact

  • Representation: The character of Clive, an elderly African-American man with a rich backstory in the film industry, stands out as a rare and meaningful representation in American film.

  • Indie Film Movement: Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire is emblematic of the 1990s and early 2000s indie film wave, demonstrating how resourcefulness and personal storytelling can overcome budgetary constraints.

  • Mentorship and Intergenerational Wisdom: The film’s focus on mentorship, both within the story and in its real-life production (with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer), underscores the value of guidance and collaboration across generations.

Website Details and Features

Content and Structure

While specific details about the current iteration of SmilingFishMovie.com are limited, typical features of official indie film websites from the era include:

  • Synopsis and Cast Bios: Information about the film’s plot, characters, and the real-life brothers behind the project.

  • Production Notes: Insights into the making of the film, including its low-budget origins and festival journey.

  • Press Kit: Critical reviews, festival accolades, and media coverage.

  • Photo Galleries and Trailers: Stills from the film, behind-the-scenes photos, and video clips.

  • Merchandise and DVD Sales: Options for purchasing or streaming the film.

  • Contact Information: For press inquiries, bookings, or fan correspondence.

Community and Legacy

The website has served as a gathering point for fans and as a digital archive preserving the film’s legacy. It has also played a role in keeping the film accessible, especially as physical media and streaming platforms have evolved.

Known For: Distinctive Qualities

Authenticity and Heart

The film—and by extension, its website—is known for its authenticity, warmth, and relatability. The use of real-life brothers in the lead roles adds a layer of genuineness that resonates with audiences and critics alike.

Strong Performances

Bill Henderson’s portrayal of Clive is universally lauded, bringing depth and humanity to the story and earning standing ovations at festival screenings.

Indie Spirit

The film’s resourceful production, festival success, and critical acclaim have made it a touchstone for aspiring indie filmmakers, illustrating what can be achieved with passion and creativity, even on a limited budget.

Examples and Specifics

Production Anecdotes

  • The film was shot in the Martini brothers’ own house, a fact often cited in reviews as a testament to the filmmakers’ commitment and ingenuity.

  • The budget was famously low, at around $40,000, yet the film managed to secure theatrical distribution and critical attention—a rare feat for indie productions of the time.

Festival Highlights

  • Multiple standing ovations at the Toronto International Film Festival, especially for Bill Henderson.

  • Winner of the Discovery Award at Toronto and Audience Award at the Milan International Film Festival.

Critical Praise

  • Roger Ebert: “The movie isn’t really about a plot, but about developments in the lives of characters we like. … By not trying too hard, by not pushing for opportunities to manipulate, the movie sneaks up and makes friends.”

  • IMDb user: “A sensitive subtle film with a lot of heart. Not like the usual edgy violent depressing independents that are shot on this kind of a budget. You care about these characters.”

The Enduring Value of SmilingFishMovie.com

SmilingFishMovie.com stands as more than just a promotional tool—it is a testament to the enduring appeal of Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire and the indie film movement it represents. Through its preservation of the film’s history, critical reception, and community engagement, the website has helped maintain the movie’s relevance for new generations of viewers and filmmakers. The film’s journey from a $40,000 passion project to a festival favorite and cult classic is a story of creativity, perseverance, and the power of authentic storytelling.

 

SmilingFishMovie.com