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The Delicate Art of the Rifle

1996 · Movie · 93 min · ★ 7.1

ComedyDramaMystery

Loosely based on a real sniper incident at the University of Texas in 1966, this landmark indie from director D.W. Harper takes this event and twists it into something new and experimental. This award winning film from IFC Films follows Jay (David Grant), an awkward, nerdy freshman through a chaos-ridden college campus after his roommate Walt Whitman (Stephen Grant) begins a shooting spree. When shots first ring out, Jay notices Walt at the top of the building, and not realizing Walt’s the sniper, Jay rushes to save him. En route Jay meets a number of strange characters including a girl with a thing for frosting cup cakes, a psych major in dire need of sleep, and a band of computer dweebs lead by a demented hacker. Once atop the dorm, Jay listens while Walt spins an incredible tale of delusion, paranoia and despair involving a metaphysical virus that erases people from history. Believing the virus has already taken his girlfriend, and realizing that he too has it, Walt makes one final request of Jay before the student swat team moves in for the final confrontation.

Where to watch

Streaming on AMC+ and IFC Films.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
1996
Release date
1996-06-01
Language
English
Runtime
93 min
TMDB rating
7.1/10 (8 votes)

Cast & crew

Directed by Dante Harper