Show of Hands (film)

This article is about the 2008 film. For other uses, see Show of hands.

Show of Hands is a 2008 New Zealand romantic comedy-drama film. Written and directed by Anthony McCarten, it stars Melanie Lynskey, Craig Hall, Stephen Lovatt, and Matt Whelan. Inspired by true events, the story concerns an endurance competition where the person who can keep their hand on a brand-new car the longest gets to keep it. Hands was released theatrically in New Zealand on 13 November 2008.

Show of Hands
Promotional poster
Directed by	Anthony McCarten
Written by	Anthony McCarten
Produced by	Angela Littlejohn
Starring	Melanie Lynskey Craig Hall Stephen Lovatt Matt Whelan
Cinematography	John Cavill
Edited by	John Gilbert
Music by	Don McGlashan
Production company	Great Southern Films
Distributed by	Rialto Distribution
Release date	13 November 2008 (2008-11-13) (limited)
Running time	99 minutes
Country	New Zealand
Language	English
Box office	$50,995[1]

Cast

• Melanie Lynskey as Jess
• Craig Hall as Tom Shrift
• Stephen Lovatt as Hatch
• Chelsie Preston Crayford as Betsy
• Matt Whelan as Matt
• Semu Filipo as Tayshawn
• William Johnson as Walter
• Mark Mitchinson as Alex Lee Lerner

Premise

In an ordinary New Zealand suburb, a competition with a twist is being staged: it requires entrants to place one hand on an up-for-grabs Land Rover, the eventual winner being the person who keeps it there the longest. Attracted to this gruelling contest are people from every walk of life—with disparate reasons for taking part—including salesman Tom (Craig Hall), a lovable rogue who'll do whatever it takes to win, and single mother Jess (Melanie Lynskey), a parking warden who needs the car for her disabled child; though her motives for winning take an unexpected turn when Tom rubs her up the wrong way.

Production

Originally conceived as a television film, Show of Hands received funding to be released theatrically when Melanie Lynskey signed on to the project.^[2] Filming took place in New Plymouth, New Zealand between November and December 2007,^[3] with principal photography lasting 24 days.^[2] The film was shot using HD Thomson Viper cameras.^[2]

Release and reception

Show of Hands premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival on 28 August 2008.^[4] It was released theatrically in New Zealand on 13 November that same year.

The film received generally positive reviews, with critics commending its performances and editing.^[5][6][7]

Accolades

• 2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards
  • Nominated: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Lynskey)^[8]