Christopher Guest turns the camera on Hollywood for his next film, For Your Consideration. The film focuses on the making of an independent movie and its cast who become victims of the dreaded awards buzz. Like Guest's previous films, Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show and A Mighty Wind, this latest project will feature performances from his regular ensemble, including co-writer Eugene Levy.
The cast includes Carrie Aizley, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Jennifer Coolidge, Paul Dooley, Ricky Gervais, Christopher Guest, Rachael Harris, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Don Lake, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Larry Miller, Christopher Moynihan, Catherine O'Hara, Jim Piddock, Parker Posey, Harry Shearer, Deborah Theaker, Fred Willard and Scott Williamson. Directed by Christopher Guest and written by Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest, For Your Consideration is a Castle Rock Entertainment Production.
For those of us who follow the comings and goings of the showbiz elite (meaning we who watch Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and the other ten or so daily programs dealing with movie and TV celebrity), Christopher Guest concludes with what we have all suspected right along – the famous are a silly bunch. Mr. Guest’s movie parodies that community with a searing wit, and he takes no prisoners. Every resident of Tinseltown is fair game, from Mary Hart to Charlie Rose.
There are moments in each of Christopher Guest’s films that are absolutely hysterical. Indeed, the take-off on Charlie Rose in this picture is simply genius, as the filmmaker pokes fun at Mr. Rose’s (rambling, verbose, vociferous – take your pick) style of interviewing. But there’s one difference. In the films where he parodies simple folk putting on a play or those who enter their beloved canines in dog shows, Guest shows an affection for those he’s lampooning. It’s an affectionate burlesque. Here, closer to home, Guest doesn’t seem to have the same affection. It’s not satire; this film mocks the inane and pompous in that land of make-believe. But again, I don’t think he’s being mean- spirited. It’s just harder to find affection for those caught up in an artform that glorifies a person beyond all reason.
There are a few sexual innuendoes, and Christ’s name is used as an expletive on two occasions, but generally Mr. Guest builds his satire on wit and insight. The question remains whether the general public will be drawn to this type of mockumentary humor. And many will agree that by his third act, the film loses momentum as it turns somewhat serious. But there are visuals and dialogue that are as funny as anything I’ve seen in a long time. That said, please consider the content before making your decision to support this film.
Distributor: Warner Independent
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