Watch Dirt Merchant

Dirt Merchant is an American comedy film that was released on May 25th, 1999. The film was directed by Gautier Cazenave and starred popular actors such as Danny Masterson, David Faustino, and David DeLuise. Dirt Merchant follows a group of extreme sports enthusiasts who engage in a popular underground sport known as "in-line downhill racing."

The film takes place in the small, fictional town of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The protagonist, Perry (Danny Masterson), is a struggling college student who is struggling to find direction in his life. Perry is also an avid in-line skater and enthusiast of various extreme sports. When he and his best friend, Paul (David Faustino), learn about the underground sport of in-line downhill racing, the two become obsessed and decide to organize an event in their hometown.

The event attracts a range of eccentric characters, including a self-described "master of ceremonies" named Turk (David DeLuise). Turk is a charismatic figure who takes on the role of hosting the event and introducing the racers to the audience. Perry and Paul also meet a fellow in-line skater, Sandy (Angie Everhart), who becomes a romantic interest for Perry.

As the race progresses, the stakes become higher, and the racers become more reckless in their pursuit of victory. Perry becomes consumed with winning the event, even if it means cheating or putting himself and others in danger. The other racers are equally determined, and the competition becomes increasingly intense as the film progresses.

The film has a light-hearted, comedic style, with a focus on the absurdity of extreme sports culture. The characters are all exaggerated versions of familiar archetypes, including the brooding, competitive athlete and the slick, showman MC. The comedic elements of the film are amplified by the use of slapstick humor and exaggerated facial expressions.

The film's visual style is also notable, with an emphasis on handheld camera work and fast-paced edits. The camera work is used to create a sense of immediacy and urgency, which enhances the intensity of the race sequences. The dramatic musical score also adds to the excitement of the film.

Despite its emphasis on comedy and extreme sports, Dirt Merchant also touches on more serious subjects. The film explores the dangers of obsession and the temptation to cheat in order to achieve success. It also critiques the commercialization of underground subcultures, as the racers are eventually approached by a corporate sponsor who offers a large cash prize in exchange for wearing branded merchandise.

Overall, Dirt Merchant is an entertaining and energetic film that showcases the thrill and excitement of extreme sports. Its emphasis on comedy and exaggerated characters makes it a fun watch, but its exploration of more serious themes adds depth and substance to the film. The performances by Masterson, Faustino, and DeLuise are all standout, and the overall production values are impressive for an independent film.

Dirt Merchant is a 1999 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.