Reviewed by: Marshall McClean
(August 2007) Director: Jason Connell
Starring (documentary subjects): Geoffrey Gould, John Richards, Cary Mizobe, Cecilia Hartfeld, Terry Bolo, Mark Nobel, Tafan Nieves, Louis McCarten, Jay Michaels, Marvin Rouillard In-a-Nutshell: First time helmer Jason Connell examines the entertainment industry's sub-culture of background actors. Along with insightful comments from background casting director Jeff Olan, the action follows ten different "extras" living in Los Angeles.
These actors, normally relegated to the "extras holding" zone on film sets, enjoy the opportunity to voice their importance to the industry. Extra-ordinary character Geoffrey Gould points out it is the background actor who provides the authenticity to a scene. "Two beautiful people in a restaurant by themselves? Who would believe that?"
While their approaches to the business vary, they all hit their mark when it comes to expressing their excitement of being on set, and they proudly rattle off their résumés, recalling memorable moments that to others might seem insignificant. Clips of these projects are included, with the background actor highlighted to show just how close (or far) he or she was to the "action." A nifty website (http://www.strictlybackground.com/) offers similar "spot the extra" technology.
It has been a busy year for Connell's directorial debut. Strictly Background has made appearances at festivals nationwide (winning "Best Documentary" at the San Fernando Valley Film Festival).
This film reminds us these "extras" are people too - moms and dads, brothers and sisters, partners and roommates - all hoping for the next gig ($54 for eight hours work is not exactly a windfall) that just might lead to more screen time or maybe even a line! These folks are lessons in perseverance and dedication. Apparently Woody Allen's mantra that "seventy percent of success in life is showing up" does not apply strictly to those who exist only in the background. |
