Living In Oblivion is inspired. I watched this film before I directed my first feature in 1997. It was a short cut to hoodwink people that I knew what I was doing. Brilliant preparation for the madness and chaos.
The terminology, the vernacular, even little things like putting a mark down with tape. Also handling the talent. It gave people confidence in me. As a director confidence goes well with creativity. Its a very helpful film study course condensed into 90 mins.
Thanks so much for sharing my video! I'm really looking forward to you talking about Sherlock Jr., I don't think enough people appreciate that Buster Keaton was a fantastic filmmaker as well as a great performer. If you're taking any recommendations, Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story is a really interesting one. It's about trying to film an "unfilmable novel" and many of the actors within the movie are playing versions of themselves. It really blurs the lines between fiction and reality, plus I like to give it bonus points for being British.
I always enjoy your film reviews--well, I generally enjoy all your videos, to be fair. However, you bring a certain special something to the way you discuss a film that just works so very well. You pique interest without getting spoilery or going too "hard sell," and you offer some engaging insights at the same time. Quite pleased to see another series of film-related videos coming our way from you, sir.
Thanks so much. Spoilers in reviews have been a sore point with me for a long, long time. I try to avoid 'em until after I've seen the movie. It's a challenge to keep the review interesting without disclosing too much. But that's the game.
Uh, two of my three favourite movies about making movies right up front.* Living in Oblivion captures the shooting of indie flicks, the people involved, and their fears just perfectly. You know all those people if you've been on a couple of indie sets, and you have witnessed all of the things happening in the film. Gotta disagree on the film being about the struggles of a director, though. One of the three segments is, yes, but the other two tell the story from the views of two other crew members. *The third one is a German movie called "Drei D" (Three D), it's a movie about a film student making his thesis film about a film student making his thesis film. It was directed by Sönke Wortmann in 1988, and yes, he was a film student back then and Drei D was his thesis film. Wortmann then went on to become one of the best known directors in Germany in the 90s. With it's running time of 50 minutes it's technically a short film, but it feels more like a feature.
If you love movies about movies, I think you will enjoy this. This is the first in a series of reviews so make sure to check out Mickeleh's future videos.
I always loved the the name they gave the movie in Hebrew. The Hebrew translators are notorious for giving foreign films very bad names (don't get me started on the Hebrew name for "The Hangover"). For "Living in Oblivion", in a rare stroke of genius, they chose a play on words. Playing on the endless aborted takes theme of the movie, they chose the name "Noise!, filming" a play on the classic "Quiet!, filming".
raiduk You won't be sad for long. I'm reworking the script now. My favorite as well. One of my all time favorite movies of all time. Hope you enjoy my review. In the meantime. Go watch the movie again. ;)
***** thanks for the answer :) I try not to watch my personal favorites too often, so that the emotions remain as intact as possible. Does Godard's "contempt" qualify for this list ? ^^
Not being a filmmaker and enjoying movies primarily as a means of escapism or intellectual / emotional stimulation, I usually shy away from 'movies about movies', fiction and non-fiction, as they tend to remove the fourth wall and focus on the creators and mechanics of what you are experiencing. The self-reflective nature of this sub-genre skews with my conception of movie magic. It's hard to " pay no attention to the man behind the curtain " when the aim of the film is to draw ones attention to him. In spite of that I have seen 8 of the movies on your list. This kept me from watching Living in Oblivion for years despite it being frequently available on T.V.. A second reason is that I have a love / hate reaction to the following actors in the film; Catherine Keener, Kevin Corrigan, Steve Buscemi and Peter Dinklage. They are all fine actors but they each have sides of their personalities that I find disagreeable and are sometimes incorporated into their acting. In some roles this adds to my enjoyment, in others it can be a deal-breaker for the film. I don't feel this way towards 95% of actors, so it is odd that this group were all in the same film. Suffice it to say this film was a challenge to watch when I finally did. Conclusion. Excellent film. Leo Gros's characterization of an egocentric leading man was masterful. Mick La Salle, a favorite reviewer of mine, stated in his review at the time that this was clearly a send-up of Brad Pitt who was originally cast in the role. Quote, " This is as withering and eviscerating a mockery of a living actor as you'll ever see ". As DeCillo and Pitt were assuredly on good terms when he was cast, I wonder if the mockery was all in good fun or something of a different color altogether ?
I can't really answer that question about DiCillo and Pitt. It's a definite bit of mockery. How much affection is behind the mockery? I have no idea. I get your point about the characters in this film not being particularly "lovable."
Also: suggestions: I second Lost in La Mancha and Ed Wood and would also like to see takes on Nickelodeon and Chaplin. Maybe as an early days of moving pictures theme week?
Did you mention the fact that this movie only cost $500,000 to make and for me It is the kind of movie to watch over and over because you always find different things. My favorite line by Dinklage "one of these days i,m gonna punch somebody right in the balls " sorry don't mean to spoil but I love this movie I wish I owned it and I love Bucshemi
1:50 love Catherine Keener her acting perform, hairy armpit and gorgeous beauty in this film 😍 But I can't believe that Keener she's 36 years old in this film I mean she look so young like a cutie
Living In Oblivion is inspired. I watched this film before I directed my first feature in 1997. It was a short cut to hoodwink people that I knew what I was doing. Brilliant preparation for the madness and chaos.
Cool story. thanks so much for the comment. What in particular did you find helpful?
The terminology, the vernacular, even little things like putting a mark down with tape. Also handling the talent. It gave people confidence in me. As a director confidence goes well with creativity. Its a very helpful film study course condensed into 90 mins.
Thanks so much for sharing my video! I'm really looking forward to you talking about Sherlock Jr., I don't think enough people appreciate that Buster Keaton was a fantastic filmmaker as well as a great performer.
If you're taking any recommendations, Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story is a really interesting one. It's about trying to film an "unfilmable novel" and many of the actors within the movie are playing versions of themselves. It really blurs the lines between fiction and reality, plus I like to give it bonus points for being British.
The list just keeps growing.
I always enjoy your film reviews--well, I generally enjoy all your videos, to be fair. However, you bring a certain special something to the way you discuss a film that just works so very well. You pique interest without getting spoilery or going too "hard sell," and you offer some engaging insights at the same time. Quite pleased to see another series of film-related videos coming our way from you, sir.
Thanks so much. Spoilers in reviews have been a sore point with me for a long, long time. I try to avoid 'em until after I've seen the movie. It's a challenge to keep the review interesting without disclosing too much. But that's the game.
Uh, two of my three favourite movies about making movies right up front.*
Living in Oblivion captures the shooting of indie flicks, the people involved, and their fears just perfectly. You know all those people if you've been on a couple of indie sets, and you have witnessed all of the things happening in the film.
Gotta disagree on the film being about the struggles of a director, though. One of the three segments is, yes, but the other two tell the story from the views of two other crew members.
*The third one is a German movie called "Drei D" (Three D), it's a movie about a film student making his thesis film about a film student making his thesis film. It was directed by Sönke Wortmann in 1988, and yes, he was a film student back then and Drei D was his thesis film. Wortmann then went on to become one of the best known directors in Germany in the 90s. With it's running time of 50 minutes it's technically a short film, but it feels more like a feature.
Mickeleh's got great taste. This is going to be a good series.
If you love movies about movies, I think you will enjoy this. This is the first in a series of reviews so make sure to check out Mickeleh's future videos.
thanks, so much, Bob. Appreciate the support.
You're welcome. I always enjoy watching your video.
One of Peter Dinklage's first roles.
I love seeing stars before they were famous
Ever see Dustin Hoffman's Volkswagen commercial?
ua-cam.com/video/L3RD-hG4nbc/v-deo.html
mickeleh im so glad i found your channel!! you're an incredibly interesting guy, keep up the fantastic work!!
Thanks so much for taking time to leave that encouraging comment.
Excellent review. Thanks for not spoiling because I have never seen this film.
Haven't seen this for years. Will have to getback to it.
Love to hear your updated thoughts on it.
Watching a fuck-ton of old Don Knotts videos now. Thanks Mickeleh
_Amazing Mr. Limpet_?
I always loved the the name they gave the movie in Hebrew. The Hebrew translators are notorious for giving foreign films very bad names (don't get me started on the Hebrew name for "The Hangover"). For "Living in Oblivion", in a rare stroke of genius, they chose a play on words.
Playing on the endless aborted takes theme of the movie, they chose the name "Noise!, filming" a play on the classic "Quiet!, filming".
Thanks for that. I didn't know about the Hebrew name for "Living in Oblivion."
Day for night is my favorite Truffaut movie and maybe my favorite french movie. Thank you so much for talking about it (Etienne, 23, Paris)
Oww, only next video. Ok. *sad face*
raiduk You won't be sad for long. I'm reworking the script now. My favorite as well. One of my all time favorite movies of all time. Hope you enjoy my review. In the meantime. Go watch the movie again. ;)
***** thanks for the answer :) I try not to watch my personal favorites too often, so that the emotions remain as intact as possible.
Does Godard's "contempt" qualify for this list ? ^^
raiduk I don't know. Haven't seen it. I'll have to track it down.
I'm wondering if you would ever do a review podcast. I don't know, your voice is very soothing x
Turn the screen away from you and BOOM, it's a podcast.
Not being a filmmaker and enjoying movies primarily as a means of escapism or intellectual / emotional stimulation, I usually shy away from 'movies about movies', fiction and non-fiction, as they tend to remove the fourth wall and focus on the creators and mechanics of what you are experiencing. The self-reflective nature of this sub-genre skews with my conception of movie magic. It's hard to " pay no attention to the man behind the curtain " when the aim of the film is to draw ones attention to him. In spite of that I have seen 8 of the movies on your list. This kept me from watching Living in Oblivion for years despite it being frequently available on T.V.. A second reason is that I have a love / hate reaction to the following actors in the film; Catherine Keener, Kevin Corrigan, Steve Buscemi and Peter Dinklage. They are all fine actors but they each have sides of their personalities that I find disagreeable and are sometimes incorporated into their acting. In some roles this adds to my enjoyment, in others it can be a deal-breaker for the film. I don't feel this way towards 95% of actors, so it is odd that this group were all in the same film. Suffice it to say this film was a challenge to watch when I finally did. Conclusion. Excellent film. Leo Gros's characterization of an egocentric leading man was masterful. Mick La Salle, a favorite reviewer of mine, stated in his review at the time that this was clearly a send-up of Brad Pitt who was originally cast in the role. Quote, " This is as withering and eviscerating a mockery of a living actor as you'll ever see ". As DeCillo and Pitt were assuredly on good terms when he was cast, I wonder if the mockery was all in good fun or something of a different color altogether ?
I can't really answer that question about DiCillo and Pitt. It's a definite bit of mockery. How much affection is behind the mockery? I have no idea. I get your point about the characters in this film not being particularly "lovable."
Also: suggestions:
I second Lost in La Mancha and Ed Wood and would also like to see takes on Nickelodeon and Chaplin. Maybe as an early days of moving pictures theme week?
If I do Nickelodeon and Chaplin, I'll also include Carl Reiner's The Comic.
The more the merrier!
Yes that it does .Thanks for giving it some props
no Lost in La Mancha?
Not yet. I may need to grow the list. Thanks for the suggestion.
A series of videos about movies about making movies. I wonder of there will be a "Making of" special for this series...
Hmmmm. It's a possibiliy
I hope you do Tropic Thunder. Its one of my favourite Ben Stiller Films and is one of the many good films about films
Did you mention the fact that this movie only cost $500,000 to make and for me It is the kind of movie to watch over and over because you always find different things. My favorite line by Dinklage "one of these days i,m gonna punch somebody right in the balls " sorry don't mean to spoil but I love this movie I wish I owned it and I love Bucshemi
David Hammond No, I didn't mention it. But it sure has the look of a low-budget film of the sort that it depicts.
aw I was hoping Shadow of the Vampire would be on that list
Great pick. It's going on the list.
Seven psychopaths is surprisingly good too thats a movie about a movie. Relatively new too. :)
It's going onto the list.
1:50 love Catherine Keener her acting perform, hairy armpit and gorgeous beauty in this film 😍 But I can't believe that Keener she's 36 years old in this film I mean she look so young like a cutie
You have to add Ed Wood to your list Mikeleh!
Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Thanks for reminding me.
***** My pleasure! :D