The Local Stigmatic

The 1990 American drama film directed by David F. Wheeler is an adaptation of the eponymous play by British playwright Heathcote Williams. The film follows two British friends, Graham (Al Pacino) and Ray (Paul Guilfoyle), who spend their time wandering through London discussing greyhound racing. Their lives are marked by cynicism and cruelty, deriving pleasure from psychological games and acts of violence against random victims. One day, they encounter a famous actor, David (Joseph Maher), whom they decide to humiliate and assault, expressing their disdain for societal values. The film delves into themes of alienation, senseless violence, and the destructive consequences of idleness. Notably, Al Pacino, a fan of the original play, not only took on the lead role but also produced the project. The shoot took place in the late 1980s, and the first screening came in March 1990 at New York City's Museum of Modern Art. It never reached theaters. In 2007, it was released on DVD as part of The Al Pacino Box Set. Despite the involvement of renowned actors, the film did not achieve critical success and remains relatively obscure to the general audience.