One of the films that can only be viewed at the Scottish Screen Collection is called Bite, which was released in 1997. David plays Alistair Galbraith, a hitherto passive postman who tires of being a spectator in his own life and decides to take control. When his wife, alison commits adultery on their wedding day and shortly after he is savaged by a ferocious dog - he hits rock bottom. Unable to cope he is galvanised into action and in true anti-hero style sets out to take revenge on those who wronged him. Through taking action Alistair is reborn. (synopsis from Scottish Screen Catalogue of Short Films 1993 - 1999)
Actually two dogs were used during the filming, Clint and Flipper.
The 6:58 film was directed by Brian Ross and written by Andrea Gibb, who also adapted the radio play Sunburst Finish that he recorded for Radio 4 in 1993. The film was sponsored by the Scottish film production fund, British Screen and Scottish Television in association with the Scottish Arts Council National lottery fund.
The film was shown at the 1997 Edinburgh Film Festival.
Su Bainbridge and Stephanie Faurgier produced the film which was distributed by Tartan Films.
The rest of the cast:
Postmen - Frank Gallagher, Paul Hickie, Martin McCardie who appeared in an episode of Takin'Over the Asylum
Alison - Sharon Small - she appeared in the radio play The Order of Release with David
Sue - Paula Sorge
Alison - Sharon Small - she appeared in the radio play The Order of Release with David
Sue - Paula Sorge
"Alastair is a postman whose happiness is far from pat. He's splitting up with his cheating shrew of a wife and the only thing taking an interest in him is a huge great German Shepherd on his round. It's bitches everywhere. Watching Alastair cope with the mutt and his wife's sudden desire to try again makes for a very pleasant few minutes. The story is a good one, the ending sharp.
David Tennant makes for a sympathetic leading man and Sharon Small shines as the wife, the bit-part posties are fine and the dog suitably scarey. Bite is nicely shot, with plenty of variation in camera movement, and Paddy Cunneen's soundtrack helps the action flow nicely.
To sum up, this Prime Cuts piece is nicely scripted, nicely acted, nicely filmed, nicely scored, but far better than plain nice. Not to be missed." review by Martin Gray for Eye for Film.com
David Tennant makes for a sympathetic leading man and Sharon Small shines as the wife, the bit-part posties are fine and the dog suitably scarey. Bite is nicely shot, with plenty of variation in camera movement, and Paddy Cunneen's soundtrack helps the action flow nicely.
To sum up, this Prime Cuts piece is nicely scripted, nicely acted, nicely filmed, nicely scored, but far better than plain nice. Not to be missed." review by Martin Gray for Eye for Film.com