Private Project

The Dangling Modifier

A teacher gradually loses his mind over the course of one school day when he discovers that a notorious ex-student has become famous, an article about the student contains an egregious grammatical error, and the school is seemingly out of staples.

  • Robert Barker
    Director
  • Jim Russo
    Writer
  • Robert Barker
    Writer
  • Robert Barker
    Producer
  • Chris Phipps
    Key Cast
    "Phil Beasley"
  • Nancy Moran
    Key Cast
    "Fran"
  • Mike Messner
    Key Cast
    "Ben Sturges"
  • Nate Rensin
    Key Cast
    "Jake"
  • Rocio Dellarroquelle
    Key Cast
    "The Cell Phone Bumper"
  • Jim Russo
    Key Cast
    "Ted Dwyer"
  • Ginger Eckert
    Key Cast
    "Receptionist"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    14,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    BlackMagic 4K in 16:9 braw
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Robert Barker

After graduating San Francisco State University with a MFA in playwriting, Robert Barker had staged readings of his dramas at The Magic Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, and many other venues. His screenwriting has gotten him into the semi-finals for Sundance Lab, but his real dream, as the saying goes, has always been to direct. 23 years into a high school English and Film teaching career, he's finally gotten his chance.

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Director Statement

This film was written by, directed by, and stars high school teachers. The three of us spent considerable time in Los Angeles, years ago, pursuing writing, filmmaking, and acting -- but we didn't know each other then. Each of us, in our own way, turned to teaching (think Waiting Tables 2.0) when our projects and prospects hadn't yet delivered. While we love our students, this film came from a darker, humorous place, centered among other things, on what it's like to teach when everyone has a cell phone.

This short film began as a feature script, and we hope it will showcase our skills, as we are in search of greater opportunities to continue making films.

I am greatly influenced by the French New Wave, and more recently by directors like Sean Baker and Ruben Ostlund. My favorite films make me ask "Am I supposed to laugh?" And then I laugh. And then I can't stop thinking about the film. Or why it made me laugh.