Quirky characters, botched murders, and bread
CSU is known for churning out brilliant alumna, and one such
success story is filmmaker Shannan Keenan. Keenan is a Kansas
native who, at an early age, had dreams of making it in Hollywood.
Keenan was on campus last week for a presentation of her film,
“Loaves,” which she wrote, produced, directed, and starred in. And
if that was not impressive enough, she did it all for under
$35,000.
“Loaves” is a dark comedy about a bread deliveryman named
Russel, his girlfriend Tammy (Keenan), and his cousin Eldon who are
scheming to kill Russel’s overweight wife. In a failed attempt,
Eldon accidentally shoots an ice cream man with a bow and arrow
instead of Russel’s wife, an event that sends the police and media
on a search for the culprit. The three conspirators then struggle
to hatch out further strategies for offing their target before a
detective figures out their criminal plan.
Keenan’s movie reminded me of the films of Christopher Guest
such as “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show.” It was not a
mockumentary like Guests’ films, but it had the similar deadpan
humor. I laughed several times during “Loaves,” as did the other
audience members.
Most of the laughs were generated in scenes featuring an
ambitious TV reporter named Lori Peterson, played by
screen-newcomer Mary Fanto. Fanto stole every scene she was in with
her plastered-on smile and amusing reactions to the eccentric
locals she interviews while covering her story.
Applause goes out to Shannan Keenan for her accomplishments and
for making CSU proud.
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