''Choking Man'' is a 2006 drama film, written and directed by Steve Barron. The film stars Octavio Gómez Berríos and Eugenia Yuan.

Synopsis

''Choking Man'' is an intense blend of psychological drama and magical realism that encapsulates the contemporary immigrant experience in America. Jorge (Octavio Gómez Berríos) is a morbidly shy Ecuadorian dishwasher toiling away in a shabby diner in Jamaica, Queens run by Rick ( Mandy Patinkin). He works all day long in the shadow of the ever-present

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instruction poster which hangs in the diner kitchen. From his solitary kitchen corner, Jorge gropes mutely for a bond with Amy (Eugenia Yuan), the newly hired Chinese waitress and even though she tries to reciprocate, the gulf that separates them may be too large. On the job he is continually tormented by his coworker Jerry (

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) and at home in his Harlem boarding, under the psychological control of his late uncle, who was truly like a father to him. His uncle was described as being the only caring person in Jorge's life. He battles his inner demons. Set in the vicinity of JFK airport, the most culturally diverse neighborhood in the world, Choking Man captures the feeling of claustrophobia some newcomers to America experience as they struggle to find a place and purpose in this strange land.

Reception

''Choking Man'' had a mixed reception by critics.

Soundtrack

The score to ''Choking Man'' was composed by Nico Muhly.

Awards

*Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You Award, 16th Annual Gotham Awards, 2006 *Best Director, Best Newcomers Octavio Gómez Berríos & Eugenia Yuan, Best Soundtrack Nico Muhly, Special Jury Award,

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, 2007

References

External links

* * *eFilmCritic.co
interview
with Steve Barron on "Choking Man." {{DEFAULTSORT:Choking Man 2006 films 2000s Spanish-language films 2006 drama films 2006 independent films American drama films American independent films Films directed by Steve Barron Films scored by Nico Muhly Films set in Queens, New York Films about immigration to the United States 2000s English-language films 2000s American films