Movie spotlight
Night Shift
UCLA Student Film, Preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive. A drama about two night shift diner workers whose care for each other transcends the minutia. Bad tips, argumentative customers, and the long hours behind the counter foster a profound sense of solidarity between these two women.
Insights
Plot Summary
A desperate morgue attendant attempts to make extra money by operating a prostitution ring out of the city morgue. His scheme is jeopardized by the arrival of an ambitious new co-worker and the escalating complications of his illicit enterprise.
Critical Reception
Night Shift was a critical and commercial success, praised for its unconventional premise, sharp humor, and standout performances, particularly from Michael Keaton in his breakout role.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its witty and often outrageous humor.
Michael Keaton's performance was a revelation, establishing him as a major comedic talent.
The film's bizarre premise was considered risky but ultimately effective.
Google audience: Audiences enjoyed the film's dark and absurd sense of humor, with many highlighting Michael Keaton's comedic timing and Henry Winkler's earnest performance. Some viewers found the subject matter a bit too dark for a comedy.
Fun Fact
This film marked Michael Keaton's feature film debut, a role that helped launch his career as a leading comedic actor.
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