Manual Labor (2002)
A short comedy about a frantic father-to-be lost in a Cannes parking garage as his girlfriend goes into labor.
Manual Labor - Movie Information
- Original Title: Manual Labor
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Jeff Wadlow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 6m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 18, 2002 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: manual_labor (US)
- Production Companies: Hypnotic, Chrysler Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Manual Labor - Plot
A desperate, but not very bright, young man tries to find where he parked his car in a massive underground parking garage in Cannes, France when his pregnant girlfriend goes into labor.
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Manual Labor - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jeff Wadlow
Main Cast
- Eyal Podell
- Lia Johnson
- Julia Brodier
- David Flamme
- Sonia Fanger
- Maria Doubi Kadmiri
Writers
- Jeff Wadlow
Producers
- Beau Bauman
Manual Labor - FAQs
What is Manual Labor (2002) about?
Manual Labor follows a not-so-bright young man who can't remember where he parked his car in a massive underground garage in Cannes, France — all while his pregnant girlfriend is going into labor. It's a frantic, comedic race against time packed into just six minutes.
Is Manual Labor a short film?
Yes, Manual Labor is a short film with a runtime of just six minutes. It was directed by Jeff Wadlow and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in July 2002, making the most of its Cannes setting as both backdrop and plot device.
Who directed Manual Labor (2002)?
Manual Labor was written and directed by Jeff Wadlow, who also edited the film. Wadlow later went on to direct feature films including Kick-Ass 2 and Truth or Dare, but this short comedy was an early showcase of his filmmaking voice.
Who stars in Manual Labor (2002)?
The film stars Eyal Podell as Charles, the hapless would-be father, and Lia Johnson as Sarah, his pregnant girlfriend. The supporting cast includes Julia Brodier, David Flamme, Sonia Fanger, and Maria Doubi Kadmiri, who plays the baby.
Where was Manual Labor (2002) filmed?
Manual Labor was filmed on location in Cannes, France, making clever use of the city's underground parking infrastructure. The Cannes setting gives the film an extra layer of irony, placing its slapstick chaos right in the heart of the world's most prestigious film festival.
What is the connection to the Cannes Film Festival?
Manual Labor premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on July 18, 2002. The film's story is set entirely in Cannes, and the choice of a festival parking garage as the central location feels like a wink at the chaos and frenzy that surrounds the event each year.
What movies are similar to Manual Labor?
If you enjoyed Manual Labor's comedic pregnancy chaos, you might also like Look Who's Talking (1989), Raising Arizona (1987), or Obvious Child (2014). For something more recent, Babes (2024) and The Back-Up Plan (2010) offer similarly funny takes on unexpected parenthood.
Who was the cinematographer of Manual Labor?
Manual Labor was shot by Seth Gordon, who would later become a well-known director in his own right, helming comedies like Horrible Bosses (2011) and Identity Thief (2013). His work behind the camera on this short helped bring the parking garage panic to life.
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