BBBB.5

(out of 5)

I love this carefree, intelligently written and directed film by independent filmmaker Henry Jaglom. A Hollywood actress (Victoria Foyt, Jaglom’s real-life wife and co-writer of the screenplay) has just finished making a blockbuster film playing a superhero and now has come to a tiny theatre community in the Hamptons to workshop her acting talents. Feeling intimidated by the more ‘serious’ performers around her, she befriends the leader of this little group (Viveca Lindfors, in her last major screen role), who shares with her some of her own personal experiences in the acting world (actual footage is used of Lindfors’ early days in Hollywood cinema).  Of course it doesn’t stop there; there’s an entire ensemble cast (including Andre Gregory, Jon Robin Baitz, Martha Plimpton, Brooke Smith, Nick Gregory) all with stories of their own to tell, and each of them are more and more fascinating as the film progresses. Incredibly enjoyable, especially for those who love theatre.

Jagtoria Films, The Rainbow Film Company

USA, 1995

Directed by Henry Jaglom

Screenplay by Henry Jaglom, Victoria Foyt

Cinematography by Hanania Baer

Produced by Judith Wolinsky

Production Design by Jeff Monte, Bruce Postman

Costume Design by Catherine Pierson

Film Editing by Henry Jaglom

Toronto International Film Festival 1995