Living in Oblivion (1995)

This ultimate tribute to all independent filmmakers takes place during one day on the set of a non-budget movie.

Director:

Tom DiCillo

Writer:

Tom DiCillo

Stars:

Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney

7 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

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

Storyline

This ultimate tribute to all independent filmmakers takes place during one day on the set of a non-budget movie.

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Plot Keywords:

neo screwball comedy | looking at oneself in a mirror | 1990s | filmmaking | filmmaker | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Catherine Keener and James Le Gros appeared together as a couple (in this film they have a one-night stand) in the Winona Ryder film Boys (1996), which was released the following year. In this film, LeGros' character mentions that he's about to do a film with Winona Ryder.

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Goofs

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

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Quotes

Nick: There needs to be more tension when you see him.
Nicole Springer: I thought I wasn't supposed to see him.
Nick: Well, maybe you see him a little.

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Crazy Credits

statement after the end credits: The characters and incidents portrayed and the names herein are sort of fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character or history of any person is sort of coincidental and unintentional.

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Connections

Featured in Un cortometraje de Alejandro Pérez (2009)

User Reviews

Film maker's delight

This film captures the true essence of the stresses involved on a film set. The story is about the characters involved in the process rather than the film-within-a-film. While the film is funny it is so close to the bone that I was initially surprised to see it appear in the comedy section.

Steve Buscemi is right at home in this film, his influence rubs off on the support actors, and his stress is convincing. This film makes you squirm but laugh - unlike conventional comedies - in this film you identify and live with the actors.

The screenplay timing is superb and taunts the audience to an almost stressful level. Offset this with lots of comedy and you're left with a powerful mix. You are almost relieved when it is over... but you are left with great memories of a strange but enjoyable film.

Absolutely the highest possible recommendation, especially if you can relate to film making, acting or directing.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 July 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Living in Oblivion

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$47,965, 16 July 1995

Gross USA:

$1,111,790

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,111,790

Company Credits

Production Co:

JDI Productions, Lemon Sky Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1