Review of For Your Consideration (2006) by Cher L — 02 Oct 2009

Straight faced humour at its best.

With the fumblesome-wit feel of Woody Allen and with all the components of his past films, Christopher Guest takes a step forward from his previous docu-satire into a piece much more clever, witty, dry and real.

For Your Consideration is centred around the craziness of Oscar fever and how the circus that surrounds it makes and breaks careers and egos. In fact its an exaggeration that doesn't feel like an exaggeration, the subject matter is already so ludicrous a parade, that just telling it straight is funny enough- no holds barred, no hidden angles. -and its that, that makes this film funny and fresh.

Set amongst the makers and players on set of the film 'Home For Purim', which hilariously gets name-changed to Home For Thanks giving to 'Jew it down'. Either way, the film's a sure fire flop, with a lesbian daughter, a dying mother and enough melodrama to compete with Days of our lives. The film within the film idea is always fun when explored observationally. The fly on the wall events follow the self indulgent process of being in the movies and how the Chinese whispers of awards season can inflate egos and ruin relationships- and people.

The star of the film, (both in the film and in the film inside) is Catherine O'Hara, who satires an aging actress facing the inevitable truth that any film could be her last. Through grapevine gossip (and the 'interweb') she hears chatter of a possible statue win for her performance as the dying Jewish mother in Purim. This of course starts the dominoes falling and her ego bulging. As the Oscar announcements dawn, here you find Marilyn Hack (O'Hara) slutty dress adorned, face tightened, lips plumped and all the diva-dome of someone whose already won. This is done to perfection,not only in the solid performance, but also in the effect of a newly surgically enhanced hyped up star. They nailed it.

Marilyn is not the only one being drawn inside the hype train. Harry Shearer who plays Victor Allan Miller, the father in Purim (and was previously best known for playing a hot dog) gets swept in the hoopla also. A familiar face in Guest films, Shearer proves he has his craft down to a fine art as he plays an actor in denial with all the desperation needed.

Not forgetting the young starlet, who in Purim plays the part of the lesbian daughter (Porter Posey) and with a suggestion nudge adds another name to the hopeful list.

The weird and deluded inner ring of this circus is explored brilliantly without ever having to get too serious, too straight or play to the one liner. This world is crazy in reality, so its only fitting to explore it in a wacky way too. Its needed and it works.

The film concludes with the anticipated Oscar nominee announcement...Disappointments follow, egos are bruised, prides hurt, careers affected. Its at this point the neat little twist is revealed; one actor from Purim does win a nomination, but as you hear the names announced you realise that it will not be any of those who ran away with the train. So who then? well the only actor who never became part of the hype and was probably the one most deserving. The lovely scene in which this is revealed, shows the best actor nominee obliviously sound asleep with not a care as the names roll.

Great round up to a film that leaves you wondering where its all going to end and whose going to get it all the way through. This is a good example of misdirection a few thriller writers could learn.

For your consideration is filled with cameos from the likes of those who know their Jazz. Actors who deserve their credit for they make it look too easy. And effortless. Eugene Levy (who also assisted in the writing) adds the right ingredients as the soulless casting agent - And there is no need to spoof here, you will laugh because you can imagine it be right on.

The whole film never tries and while the film never really tires, it keeps moving, changing, and each scene feels needed.

Some may find it quite slow compared to the pace of modern cinema. For those who need their humour to hit them right between the eyes, it might not be for you, it may be too subtle. in other words if you prefer Adam Sandler to Woody Allen, maybe give this one a miss. Its never going to be be your favourite film, perhaps not even your favourite of Guests films, but on a rainy Autumn night with a bottle of beer in hand it hits the spot.