Review of EDtv (1999) by Jordan E — 23 Apr 2012

A decent conceptual drama with a mildly sour twist of social commentary thrown in. Fresh into his career as a leading man, Matthew McConaughey plays into his typecast as a drawling, charming bachelor, this time spiced with the angle of a 24/7 reality show that broadcasts his every waking moment.

Naturally, this eventually plays havoc on his personal life, especially when he picks up with his brother's publicity-shy ex (Jenna Elfman). Not quite as interesting or original as 1998's thematic clone The Truman Show, it's still a fair (if light) take on the cult of celebrity with some good, unexpected curves peppering the plot.

McConaughey is unbearable in a few scenes, but he's at least believable as the naive, overnight celebrity everyman adopted by pop culture. Warm and charming at times, thin and predictable at others, it's a good effort with a curiously accurate prediction about the surge of reality programming that was on the horizon.