This week on The Video Store Podcast, I’m recommending four films that are all about films and filmmaking in one way or another. Some are about the industry. Some about obsession with its product. All are worth watching.
The Stunt Man (1980) – Directed by Richard Rush. This film took nearly a decade to get made. It’s about a fugitive who ends up working as a stuntman on a chaotic film set. Peter O'Toole plays the eccentric director. The film is known for how it blurs the line between what’s real and what’s staged, both for the characters and the viewer. Rush was nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Steve Railsback, who plays the lead, had previously portrayed Charles Manson in Helter Skelter, and that performance had followed him around.
Fade to Black (1980) – A psychological thriller directed by Vernon Zimmerman. Not so much about the industry behind-the scenes, but instead about its effect on the other side of the camera. Dennis Christopher plays a movie-obsessed loner who starts acting out scenes from classic films in real life. A lot of people missed this when it came out, but it has a cult following now. It’s set in Los Angeles and uses that setting in a way that feels grimy and off. Mickey Rourke appears in a small early role. Quentin Tarantino has mentioned this film as an influence.
The Big Picture (1989) – A comedy directed by Christopher Guest. Kevin Bacon plays a young filmmaker who finds early success, then quickly loses control of his career. Martin Short plays his agent in a way that’s deliberately over-the-top. The script was co-written by Michael McKean and also includes appearances by John Cleese and Teri Hatcher. It’s one of those movies that shows how studio notes and industry pressure can take a decent idea and ruin it.
Living in Oblivion (1995) – Directed by Tom DiCillo whose name I butcher, my apologies. This one’s about a small indie film production falling apart. Steve Buscemi plays the director. It’s shot in black and white and color, dividing dream sequences from the rest. Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney are also in it. DiCillo based a lot of the script on his own frustrations making his first feature. James Le Gros plays a difficult actor who many assumed was based on Brad Pitt, who had worked with DiCillo before. DiCillo has denied it, but the rumor stuck. Also a great role from a future Game of Thrones star.
Each of these films looks at films and filmmaking from a different angle. They’re also all lesser-known films, some not widely seen, but worth your time.
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