Living in Oblivion

source: Living in Oblivion

A film shoot goes off the rails with non stop issues and a director who is barely keeping his sanity. This movie is quirky, funny, and raw. It's a good example Of why people like myself would not go into show business as you see the behind the scenes drama and logistics which rob movies of their inherent magic. Highly recommend along with NOISES OFF.

OK, so it's not a gut-buster: no pratfalls, daft faces, one-liners, running gags (apart from Wolf's eye-patch) or ironic allusions. But if you've ever tried to accomplish *anything* worthwhile and succeeded by laughing - even retrosepectively - at the stuff that always gets in the way, then you'll like this movie. I've watched it what, a dozen times? It's a low-budget Barton Fink/The Player/Soapdish, with a cosy/claustrophobic (depending on your tastes) atmosphere and a film noir sensibility. Terrific dialogue, blinding acting and unintrusive direction, with only the the occasional - and eminently forgivable - continuity/script error. A simple structure with three acts assembled (if a little heavy-handedly) using a 'dream-version' plot motor, deliver a cracking low-budget classic for indy devotees, packed with with humanity and insight. For now it's on my indy top ten. My advice: take 90 mins and judge...

Nick is a filmmaker. And Nick is a maniac. Because he is a filmmaker. "Living in oblivion" is a movie about moviemaking. And this film is a warning. Don´t even think you´re Spielberg, because everything really goes wrong. I saw this movie at the end of a shooting day for a short film with the whole crew and we felt like we have looked right into a mirror. The whole day was mad, the fuses broke, the actors got angry and my co-director leaving the sinking ship. We finally could really feel with Nick and his problems. TomDiCillo has not just made a movie. It´s perhaps the best education on film-making you can get. This film teaches you all the things you will never learn in a common film school. The things that are the most important ones during shooting. And don't worry, if your mum wants to help you...

I have been told this movie was written by Tom DiCillo based on his experience with Brad Pitt in "Johnny Suede". If you keep this in mind, the movie makes perfect sense. Chad Palimino is the character resembling dear old Brad and there are some delicious jabs taken at the alleged target. It makes for smug entertainment. Rent the movie again; see what one director thinks of the box office hunk. I may want to say this is just a rumor! But I believe!

Anyone who has any level of appreciation for indy films has GOT to see this one. Concept: 10. Acting: 10. Set and Set Direction: 10. Steve Buscemi, who is remarkable in everything he's ever done, shines brightly, but in a most subdued manner as the director who just can't get anything to happen correctly.

A film within a film - ok, been there, done that, but not like this. Slated as a comedy - but unless your thing is "main stream" movies, should be appreciated for its truthful yet sad commentary on relationships. Great acting/roles all around - in fact, seemed more like cinema verite.

Works well if you have those experiences, either on indie film scenario or film school life . Script has m all cliches / tropes and mocks them and connects almost every point And Catherine Keener is a delightful watch showcasing the classic plethora of existential crises in a budding actors life.

Living In Oblivion IS the mid-nineties to me, it seemed as if EVERYBODY was making a low-budget, possibly-pretentious film... Buscemi is pretty great here, his frustrations at having to deal with the crap that goes on during the making of a movie are where my brain goes whenever I hear a story about a director pulling out his hair due to idiotic interactions with moronic actors... And James LeGros plays the most idiotic actor EVER, who, regardless of what revisionist history says, is DEFINITELY based on Brad Pitt's behavior on the set of Tom DiCillo's (this film's director) first feature film, Johnny Suede. Once you see LeGros' exaggerated Pitt-like movements and pronouncements, any and all doubt about who LeGros is channeling will disappear. Catherine Keener is great as an actress who sleeps with LeGros and comes to regret it, deeply. Her disgust and castrating looks are priceless. I laugh beginning to end with Living In Oblivion.

Its been years sense I've seen this movie but the fact that It sticks out in my memory tells me it was one of the best independents I've ever seen.One of those diamonds in the ruffs.Amovie you may watch,just because your board and if your like me,you hate a movie in black and white unless it was made before color.The movies so good that doesn't even matter. Hard to find.Looks like it was made on a shoestring budget but worth seeking out. A movie about making a movie.Sounds boring but to me at least it wasn't.