Review of The Independent (2000) by Carl P — 01 Feb 2012

I had never heard of this film until it appeared as a suggestion on Netflix, now I am pleased to have given it a chance. We've all dreamed about working in the film industry, but anyone who has actually spent months of their lives, and all of their money, making an independent film will relate to this.

The film is told in a documentary style, interspersing interviews and clips from outstandingly crazy B Movies into the main narrative. I actually found myself sniggering a few times throughout, but one particular scene from an old 'Fineman Film' had me in an uncontrollable fit of laughter. All I'll say is it involves a Ben Stiller cameo in a spoof of Free Willy. That isn't the only cameo of note either as numerous Hollywood celebrities pop up to give their insight into the life of Morty Fineman. But of course the true star is Morty himself, played by a perfectly deadpan Jerry Stiller.

I was not expecting much from this film, in fact I'd originally put it on as background noise, but I can safely say The Independent did what few films before have done and made me pay attention. Definitely worth a watch.