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madcapmagic
Reviews
Karl Rove, I Love You (2007)
A political Mockumentary with a splash of Hollywood
I had the opportunity to see this film at a screening and must say it was quite fun, entertaining and dark all at the same time. Shot as a mockumentary much like Tanner '88 and Tanner on Tanner, the film mixes politics with the acting world.
Beginning in the months before the 2004 Presidential election, actor Dan Butler (FRAISER) is approached by filmmaker Phil Leirness (PARTY CRASHERS) to make a film on supporting actors, the unsung heroes of Hollywood. Using this pretense, the viewer is given a first person point of view to Butler's life and is present when Butler decides to put together a one man about Karl Rove, the Republican strategist responsible for the campaign of George W. Bush and later dubbed by Bush himself as "The Architect." Starting off with the goal of exposing all the Machiavellian plans and schemes of a man seen as a conservative hero and the liberals' devil, the more Butler gets into the role, the more Butler starts to change, much to the alarm of his family and friends and leading to the question, "Who is playing whom?" The acting by Butler is top notch as a Captain Ahab after his elusive whale and is supported in the effort by his own family and friends playing themselves, giving the film a feel of realism and vitality. The first person camera work adds another character by breaking through the fourth wall and allowing the viewer to be an active participant. In addition the subject matter is presented in such a way that it will appeal to all viewers, regardless of political slant. Liberals will see it as a horror story while conservatives will see it is a comedy. Overall, a good showing of Butler's skills and talent and definitely a fun film to watch.
The Party Crashers (1998)
Deceptively simple, but definitely something there....
Party Crashers laid-back approach may seem slow to people expecting "Die Hard" but in a Beverly Hills penthouse, but like many "insider" films, those who are in the know can find much to appreciate. Living in a city known for its earthquakes, riots, and various other man-made and artifical disasters has made Angelenos some of the most jaded people on earth. Of course they would act this way, especially if they were taken hostage by the three guys in the movie. Are there plot holes, oh yeah. Should Phil Leirness spend more time on directing than hamming it up in front of the camera, well I'm not a drama critic but probably. Does it feel slow, yes but it due more to Leirness' obvious homage to the classic films of the 1930s. His minimal camera movement and favoring of wide shots bring to mind the days of classic cinema when directors knew enough to let the action play out and not ruin it by the rapid fire cutting that many audience members have become familiar as the norm. Adding to this feeling is the rapid fire, witty dialogue that harks back to Hawks classic comedies. The commentary on the DVD, which definitely one of the more enjoyable ones I have ever heard, is full of amusing stories, both real and fictious. Leirness' dry wit great to listen to as you do laundry.