Watch Rented Lips

Rented Lips is a 1987 comedy film that stars Martin Mull as a sleazy, down-and-out Hollywood producer named Barney. Barney is desperate to save his career, and he thinks he's found his answer in the form of a radical new idea for a talk show: he'll hire a group of people to pretend to be his guests, using pre-written scripts and fake backstories to make it seem like they're real. The guests will be armed with outrageous stories and bizarre personalities that Barney thinks will make his show a hit, as well as drawing in advertisers willing to pay big bucks to reach his unique audience.

Barney quickly sets about assembling his cast of fake guests, calling on an eclectic mix of unemployed actors and wannabes to fill out his roster. They range from the ridiculous to the downright odd, including a man who claims to be the world's greatest thief, a woman who is convinced she's the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe, and a guy who thinks he's an alien. Barney needs these people to make his show work, but he's not exactly forthcoming about what he'll be paying them, and his methods of persuasion are often dubious at best.

As filming begins on the show, things quickly start to unravel. The guests are erratic and unpredictable, often improvising their way through their fake stories to the frustration of Barney and his team. Meanwhile, the show's sponsors are getting more and more nervous about putting their names on such a weird and outlandish product. To make matters worse, Barney's former partner in crime, a shady entrepreneur played by Dick Shawn, has come back into his life and is demanding a cut of the profits.

Despite all these setbacks, however, Barney remains determined to make his show a success. He bulldozes his way through production, making increasingly bizarre decisions in a desperate attempt to keep the show afloat. Along the way, he falls in love with one of his fake guests, a kooky aspiring actress played by Jennifer Tilly. The two share a strange, but sweet romance that provides a much-needed respite from the chaos of the show.

Rented Lips is a film that revels in absurdity, with a plot that's as wacky and unpredictable as its cast of characters. It's a film that pokes fun at the excesses of Hollywood in the '80s, while also providing a lighthearted commentary on the nature of reality TV and the power of showbiz to turn even the most improbable idea into a cultural phenomenon. At its heart, however, the film is a love letter to the underdogs of the entertainment industry, the struggling artists and oddballs who populate the fringes of Hollywood, and who often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

In terms of performances, the film is anchored by Martin Mull, who brings a sardonic wit and world-weary cynicism to his role as Barney. He imbues the character with just enough charm to keep the audience rooting for him, even as he becomes increasingly desperate and unscrupulous. The supporting cast is similarly strong, with Jennifer Tilly stealing scenes every time she appears on screen as the lovable airhead, Candy. The film also features cameos from a number of recognizable faces, including Robert Downey Jr., Edie McClurg, and Bruce Baum.

All in all, Rented Lips is an off-the-wall comedy that's long been a cult classic in certain circles. It's a film that's not for everyone, but for those who are willing to embrace its zany charm, it's a delightful romp through the weird and wonderful world of Hollywood.