Gallo Humor

One of the fun things about cable is the chance to see movies that weren't deemed worthy of release in theatres.  Sometimes they're too odd or slight, so it was better to put them out on video rather than the trouble of theatrical.  These films can still be fun.  Other times, they're just no good.

Mostly in the latter category is Get Well Soon (2001).  It's got a decent cast, including Courteney Cox, Jeffrey Tambor, Tate Donovan, Elina Lowensohn and Anne Meara.  It's also got a decent plot--a romantic comedy about a famous talk show host who has a nervous breakdown on air and goes on a quest to find his old girlfriend.  The one aspect of the film that definitely tanks it is lead Vincent Gallo.

It makes you wonder what names they tried to get and couldn't.  I'm guessing just about everyone this side of Charles Manson.  Gallo can be a compelling screen presence, but he puts out a violent, dangerous vibe.  It's impossible to buy him as Bobby Bishop, beloved TV figure whom America invites into its homes every night.  When he has his "breakdown" its indistinguishable from any other moment.  And when he chases after Cox, the only reason you can imagine she's attracted is his money.

Would the film have worked with someone more suited to the role?  It would have been interesting to find out.