Living in Oblivion

Living in Oblivion

Released in 1995, this is a film by independent filmmakers for independent filmmakers about independent filmmakers.

Steve Buscemi plays a frustrated indie director who's trying to make a movie but is constantly interrupted by things going wrong. Whether it be technical problems, the crew screwing up, actors getting frustrated, drama, or some other bizarre surprises, absolutely nothing will allow Buscemi to make this movie. What's even worse is that, from the few scenes they actually are able to film, it's clear that they're stressing over making an inevitably terrible movie.

The cast is an unexpected mix of actors, several of whom are playing against type and doing a great job of it. Dermot Mulroney is surprisingly broad and funny as the cinematographer, the great Kevin Corrigan plays a stoner focus puller, Peter Dinklage shows up almost literally out of nowhere and is very funny, Catherine Keener is wonderfully reactive with some great facial expressions, and Steve Buscemi is of course fantastic as the desperate, quickly unravelling director.

I don't want to say too much more about the movie because I think it's an underrated gem that's worth checking out, but I will say there's an unexpected element in the film that's one of the most hated and widely known cliches in the book, but because of the film's tone and the way it's being used, it actually works and makes the film all the more fascinating.

Check it out if you haven't seen it!