Tiptoes (also known as Tiny Tiptoes) is a 2003 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Matthew Bright, in what is, to date, his last film.[1] The film stars Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Patricia Arquette and Matthew McConaughey. The film’s plot revolves around an average-sized man (McConaughey) who struggles with revealing to his pregnant fiancée (Beckinsale) that his entire family are little people, as he worries that their unborn child may be born with dwarfism. The film attracted controversy for the casting of non-dwarf actor Gary Oldman as a dwarf, especially in contrast with the presence of actual dwarf actor Peter Dinklage, who some have suggested would have been better suited for Oldman’s role.[1][3] Oldman is also 11 years older than McConaughey, despite playing his twin brother.[3]
The film debuted in a 150 minute director’s cut at Harry Knowles‘ Butt-Numb-A-Thon film festival.[2][3] Bright was fired from the film during post-production, and subsequently had his screenwriting credit removed, after the film was re-edited without his involvement.[1] The 90 minute producers’ cut screened at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, where Bright criticized the film and the producers for re-editing it.[1][3] The producers’ cut went on to receive negative reviews, and is considered to be one of the worst movies ever made,[1] although it has developed a cult following.[1]