Well it strikes me that if you hold your index finger strategically placed on the fast forward button, you'll suffer no loss of coherence or continuity while watching this thing. Now I would have done that, except then I'd lose some integrity in writing a review, so I forced myself to suffer through it. Which is not to say that there wasn't a single redeeming factor here, that being Mickey Rooney's insanely delivered performance as a mad film director and erstwhile performer in his own twisted production. He barks orders to imaginary crew and cameraman while the imaginary applause of worshipful fans appeal to his artistic sensibilities. Luana Anders is at the same time his leading actress in bondage and almost willing co-conspirator in the madness. What you wind up with is a pretentious art house film, the product of a writer and director with no vision other than to get something down on celluloid and call it art.
Throughout this twisted nightmare, there were moments when Rooney actually looked like he might have been having fun in between his misgivings about taking on the assignment. Those inspired renditions of Chatanooga Choo-Choo were pure Cyrano de Rooneyac. What I'd really like to know is if Rooney ever discussed this film role as a guest on Carson's 'Tonight Show'. Can you picture that - with Rickles sitting on one side, and Dean Martin on the other. Now that's something I would really want to see.
Throughout this twisted nightmare, there were moments when Rooney actually looked like he might have been having fun in between his misgivings about taking on the assignment. Those inspired renditions of Chatanooga Choo-Choo were pure Cyrano de Rooneyac. What I'd really like to know is if Rooney ever discussed this film role as a guest on Carson's 'Tonight Show'. Can you picture that - with Rickles sitting on one side, and Dean Martin on the other. Now that's something I would really want to see.