Living in Oblivion (1995)

Director:

Tom DiCillo

Writer:

Tom DiCillo (written by)

Release Date:

21 July 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

Nick is about to discover the first rule of filmmaking: if at first you don't succeed... PANIC!

Plot:

Film about filmmaking. It takes place during one day on set of non-budget movie. Ultimate tribute to all independent filmmakers. |

Plot Keywords:

Filmmaking | Filmmaker | Diner | Nervous Breakdown | Dream Sequence Within A Dream Sequence

Awards:

7 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Steve Buscemi	...	Nick Reve
Catherine Keener	...	Nicole Springer
Dermot Mulroney	...	Wolf
Danielle von Zerneck	...	Wanda
James LeGros	...	Chad Palomino
Rica Martens	...	Cora
Peter Dinklage	...	Tito
Kevin Corrigan	...	Assistant Camera
Hilary Gilford	...	Script
Robert Wightman	...	Gaffer
Tom Jarmusch	...	Driver / Intern
Michael Griffiths	...	Sound Mixer
Matthew Grace	...	Boom
Ryan Bowker	...	Food Service / Clapper
Francesca DiMauro	...	Production Assistant

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:M | Italy:T | Netherlands:12 | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:T | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

JDI Productions

Trivia:

The idea that Brad Pitt was the model for the buffoonish Chad Palomino character is a myth. Pitt himself was slated to appear as the Palomino character, until a Legends of the Fall (1994) scheduling conflict forced him to drop out. Apparently, James LeGros *was* mocking a self-absorbed Hollywood star; it just wasn't Pitt. Tom DiCillo says that while he can't name any names, LeGros confided that he had lifted all of the Palomino character's mannerisms from a star with whom he had just finished working.

Goofs:

Continuity: The first few times the AC slates, what is written on the slate does not reflect what he calls off.

Quotes:

[Tito doesn't laugh when he's supposed to]
Nick: Cut! Tito... Didn't feel like laughing, did ya?
Tito: I did.
Nick: Oh. Guess I missed it.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Ellie Parker (2005)

Funny and interesting, if convoluted, movie-about-movie.

Living in Oblivion is an unusual, funny, and interesting example of the movie-about-movies genre, focusing on the low budget, independent movie making scene. The lead performances by Steve Buscemi and Catherine Keener are first-rate, and the supporting cast is excellent as well. The film veers from satire to realism to surrealism in depicting the problems and tensions involved in off-off-Hollywood filmmaking. One problem with its structure, though, is the repeated "dream trick." Its first use creates shock and interest, but its second use creates a serious distraction in the third act since the viewer keeps wondering whose dream he or she may be in this time. Overall, an enjoyable film - highly recommended to indie film buffs.