Get Shorty

About Get Shorty

Get Shorty is an American crime thriller comedy movie that was released in 1995. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by author Elmore Leonard. The storyline is centered on a gangster called Chili Palmer that travels to Hollywood to collect debt from a producer Harry Zimm. Later, he finds himself drawn into the movie industry.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher, with Barry Sonnenfeld taking the director's chair. It was made under the banner of Jersey Films and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The filming was primarily done in Los Angeles and Miami.

Actors

• John Travolta: Playing the role of Chili Palmer, Travolta delivers a stellar performance as a Miami-based loan shark who is trying to make it big in Hollywood.
• Gene Hackman: As Harry Zimm, a low-budget horror film producer who is in debt, Hackman perfectly captures the essence of a man struggling to stay afloat in the film industry.
• Rene Russo: Russo portrays Karen Flores, a former scream queen and love interest of both Palmer and Zimm, with charm and wit.
• Danny DeVito: Playing the role of Martin Weir, DeVito gives a compelling performance as a Hollywood actor with an inflated ego.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• John Travolta's character Chili Palmer is named after an actual Miami loan shark.
• Get Shorty is a phrase meaning "to kill someone."
• Martin Weir (Danny DeVito) is first mentioned in the film in Elmore Leonard's novel "LaBrava."

Quotes

• "I'm not gonna say anything inspirational; I'm just gonna fucking kill you." - Chili Palmer
• "I've been shot at three times before. Twice on purpose and once by accident." - Harry Zimm
• "Rough business, this movie business. I'm gonna have to go back to loan-sharking just to take a rest." - Chili Palmer

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack for Get Shorty was composed by John Lurie. His jazzy score fits perfectly with the film's tone.
• The main theme "Chili Hot" is one of the most identified tracks from the movie's soundscape.
• Famous rock band "Us3" contributed the song "Chilli Hot" for the film's closing credits.

Awards

Get Shorty was well received by critics and was nominated for numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. John Travolta won the Golden Globe for Best Actor - Comedy or Musical for his performance in the film.