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Das Kunstvolle Deal (The Artful Deal)

An ambitious, narcissistic casino owner welcomes an unusual visitor to his card tables. After introductions they discover common interests. As the visitor is weary of the casino floor, the owner invites him to his suite for dinner. In the suite the two talk of politics and books. While waiting for room service, the conversation takes on the form of a mentoring in which the visitor reveals to the casino owner the keys to success as told in two particular books. A masterclass in fascism and propaganda. Imaging a future of ultimate success, the casino owner enters into a deal with the visitor. A deal that will play out over the coming 37 years.

  • Craig Trumbo
    Director
  • Craig Trumbo
    Writer
  • Craig Trumbo
    Producer
  • Bruce Rolland Carter
    Key Cast
    "Müller"
  • Taylor Wood
    Key Cast
    "Don"
  • Jeffrey Bigger
    Key Cast
    "Don (elder)"
  • Jon Corley
    Key Cast
    "The Dealer"
  • Kendall VanCoutren
    Key Cast
    "The Waitress"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    41 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 26, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital (note mixed AR on 16:9)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Craig Trumbo

Craig Trumbo operates VuJa de Industries, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. He writes and produces music videos and films addressing today's pressing social and political issues. Recent projects have included material on climate change, gun violence, and the war against Ukraine. He also composes and plays all musical parts in his films.

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Director Statement

The seed for this film arrived in an unusual way via a prop for a separate project: a 1987 vintage RCA VHS Camcorder. It worked for a short while, leading me to ponder what kind of period piece might be shot on this legendry camera. Meanwhile the news of the world continued flowing by and I noticed yet another piece offering the observation that a particular former President never seemed to be held accountable, for anything. I wondered. Perhaps a deal had been struck, a Faustian deal, an Artful Deal. At the same time there was ongoing commentary about the use of fascist language, even that evoking Hitler, buy the now Presidential candidate. It all started to make sense. Researching the whereabouts and actions of this particular individual in that time frame led to a good number of interesting discoveries. Plus two books, a birthday, a favor owed. All of which some might — erringly — call coincidences.