Bowfinger

What happens when you finally get your hands on a script that could transform you from washed up television commercial director to Hollywood’s latest “Come-back Kid”, but you can’t get the backing? You go it alone.

“I’m tired of being screwed by the rich! These power-mad movie studios have conspired to keep us, the artists, frommaking our kind of personal films.But today, we’re changing all that.”

The problem with being an independent is getting the big stars that will guarantee a box office smash. Undaunted Bowfinger [Martin] goes after the biggest, Kit Ramsey [Murphy], only to be thrown from his limo. Bowfinger doesn’t have the heart to dash the hopes of his small band of aspiring actors by telling them the truth - they have no leading male. Casting proceeds as this both produces the rest of the actors and with a hefty audition fee generates the much-needed capital. A crew is “acquired” and shooting can begin.

What follows is a hilarious guide to making a film a film on a shoestring with the lead unaware of his participation.

As usual Murphy is not content in playing just the conventional one role. He plays characters at opposing extremes of the cool spectrum. He pulls this off with his usual professionalism creating two very distinct and complex personalities. Martin gives yet another sturdy performance. The rest of the cast play their roles well although this is not really a challenge as they are in the main bad actors.

The film’s story has been compared to Tim Burton’s Ed Wood with striking resemblance. The general opinion which I agree with, is that this is not a great film, but a funny film that is well worth watching.

This film left me with a new appreciation for the power of the film editor.

Jonathan Corfe