Watch Living in Oblivion
- R
- 1995
- 1 hr 30 min
-
7.5 (20,506)
Living in Oblivion is a satirical comedy-drama film that follows the making of an independent movie production. The movie is directed by Tom DiCillo and stars Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, and Dermot Mulroney. The movie was released in 1995 and is set in New York City. The film follows the story of Nick Reve (Steve Buscemi), the director of an independent movie production. The movie within a movie is a low-budget drama called "Living in Oblivion." Nick is a frustrated and stressed-out director who is struggling to make his movie. He is constantly dealing with issues like budget constraints, inexperienced actors, and a difficult cinematographer.
Catherine Keener plays Nicole, the lead actress in the movie within the movie. Nicole is a talented actress who is passionate about her craft but is frustrated with Nick's direction. She is constantly butting heads with Nick and the rest of the crew, but she remains determined to deliver a great performance.
Dermot Mulroney plays Chad, the male lead in the movie within the movie. Chad is a narcissistic and self-absorbed actor who has a hard time taking direction from Nick. His diva-like behavior makes it difficult for Nick to get the performance he needs out of him.
As the production progresses, Nick's frustration with the various challenges he faces reaches a boiling point. He starts having vivid dreams where he imagines the perfect version of his movie coming to life. These dreams provide Nick with a temporary escape from the difficulties of his reality.
The movie is a commentary on the process of independent filmmaking and the struggles that come with it. It features many familiar scenes that people in the industry will recognize, like the struggle to secure funding, the chaos of filming on a tight budget, and the clashing egos within a production team.
The performances in this movie are outstanding. Buscemi shines as the frustrated director who is struggling to keep the production afloat. Keener is fantastic as the passionate actress who is trying to deliver a great performance despite the difficult circumstances. Mulroney is hilarious as the difficult and narcissistic actor who is constantly causing problems on set.
The film also expertly captures the feeling of hopelessness that can come with independent filmmaking. As someone in the industry, I can relate to the chaos and stress that can come along with trying to make a movie on a shoestring budget. This film is a great representation of that struggle and is a must-watch for anyone interested in filmmaking.
Overall, Living in Oblivion is a smart, funny, and honest take on the process of independent filmmaking. The movie within a movie format provides a unique perspective on the struggles and frustrations that go along with making a movie. The performances are excellent, and the writing is sharp and witty. If you're a fan of indie films, this movie is a must-watch.
Living in Oblivion is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 81.