Watch Trust Us This is All Made Up

Trust Us This is All Made Up is a unique documentary that captures the art of improvisation through the lives of two masters of the craft, T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film offers an in-depth look at these two engaging performers and the creative process that allows them to produce a live comedic show from nothing but their sharp wit and vivid imaginations.

The documentary provides a fascinating insight into the techniques, skills, and personalities behind improvisational comedy by following T.J. and David as they perform in front of a live audience in New York City. It is a masterclass in improv comedy as the two performers take to the stage to make up a seventy-five-minute show in front of the audience.

The movie is a seamless blend of performance, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, providing an up-close look at the collaboration and trust that goes into improvisational comedy. Through interviews with the performers and their colleagues, the film explores the origins of the form and its enduring appeal, as well as the challenges and rewards of performing live and continually creating something new.

The stage performance itself is a marvel of creativity and imaginative comedy. The performers take audience suggestions and weave them into hilarious scenes, characters, and narratives on the spot. The sheer range of material covered in such a short time is impressive, and the performers' ability to work together to create something from nothing is awe-inspiring.

The film captures the performers and their process beautifully, with stunning editing and cinematography. The camera work is especially impressive given the improvisational nature of the show, as the cameramen must be as nimble and quick-witted as the performers in order to capture the action as it unfolds.

Throughout the film, T.J. and David's chemistry is palpable. There's a sense that they understand each other and their craft in a way that transcends words, and their mutual trust is evident in the way they interact both on and off stage. Their unique characters and personal histories also add depth to the film, and their occasional disagreements or momentary lapses in confidence provide a glimpse into the vulnerability and humanity that underpins even the most skilled performances.

Beyond the performances, the film also explores the history of improvisational comedy and its influence on pop culture. From the groundbreaking work of The Second City in the 1950s to the proliferation of improvisation-based television shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? in the 1990s, the film highlights the important role of improvisational comedy in shaping the current cultural landscape.

Music also plays an integral role in the film, providing an energetic and upbeat soundtrack. The use of music mirrors the aspirational nature of the film, highlighting the sense of movement and progression throughout as the performers layer new ideas and characters into their comedy.

Overall, Trust Us This is All Made Up is a testament to the art of improvisational comedy and the talent and dedication of those who practice it. The film is a joyous celebration of creativity and the power of imagination, and it provides an unforgettable glimpse into the world of comedic performance, bringing one of the most revered comedic forms to life on screen.

Trust Us This is All Made Up is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.