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They Shoot Movies
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Tagline: They Shoot Movies, Don't They? is a voyeuristic look at first time director Tom Paulson and the movie he wrote called Mirage. Frank Gallagher is the documentarian whose camera waits and watches as Paulson navigates through a jungle of investors, colleagues, friends and family, searching for money to finish his film. We gaze through the lens of Frank Gallagher as he relentlessly
documents Tom Paulson’s attempts to get distribution for his finished
film project, Mirage. The film opens with Frank Gallagher
filling in the background on Tom Paulson. While in college, a major
knee injury destroys Tom’s promising professional baseball career. This
leads Tom to enroll in the film department as a lark. Here he writes,
shoots and directs a short film about baseball, On My Milky Way.
The film’s showing at a film festival lands Tom a development deal with
Universal. He is driven to create a film that he believes in, without
the strings and control of the studio. After 3 years of frustration,
Tom severs his position at Universal to pursue his dream project, Mirage.
The documentary now reveals the realities of independent filmmaking and distribution. Interviews with film producer Adled Davies and screenwriter Tony Colt are sprinkled throughout, keeping the viewer grounded in the business of Hollywood. Meanwhile, Tom pursues means to acquire the matching funds promised by his friend and successful businessman, Ari Barak. We are given glimpses into Tom’s inner thoughts and dreams with interviews of Adele, his girlfriend of over 3 years, along with candid moments of Tom captured by the ever-present camera. Even as the odds seem to stack up against him, Tom is determined to find the needed support. How far will Tom travel in pursuit of finishing his project? In true voyeuristic fashion, we invade such personal moments as the strain on Tom’s relationship with Adele. We are provided a gritty, and at times uncomfortable, exposure to the "sausage-making" business of Hollywood vs. the artistic pursuit of a dream. What sacrifices or compromises is Tom willing to make as time begins to run out? Suffice it to say, the documentary camera of Frank will let us know... To quote Tom Wilson (producer of They Shoot Movies, Don’t They?), "They teach us in film school that the camera never lies, but does it ever tell the truth?" Time for a little truth, They Shoot Movies is not a true documentary. However, it is not necessarily a "mockumentary" ala Best in Show (2000), Bob Roberts (1992), Waiting for Guffman (1984), or even This is Spinal Tap (1984). Nor is it necessarily a "pseudo-documentary" the likes of The Blair Witch Project (1999), or Incident at Loch Ness (2004). However, it is closer to the latter group, in that it is presented as a documentary. They Shoot Movies has the feel of an actual documentary such as The Sinister Saga of Making 'The Stunt Man' (2000) or The Battle of Brazil: A Video History (1996). That They Shoot Movies is convincing as a documentary has caused quite a controversy with many viewers and reviewers. For this reviewer, this is one of its main strengths.
Both Frank Gallagher (the real director of They Shoot Movies) and Tom Wilson (producer and the actor playing Tom Paulson) said they watched "five million" documentaries, looking for the "is this for real?" feel, and it shows! The film is extremely convincing as a documentary, thanks to the editing and acting (much of it improvised by fellow L.A. theatrical actors and friends). Frank and Tom capture a true documentary "manipulative presentation", what to show (nostalgic montages, quite reflective moments, etc.), how to present it (music, voice-over, etc.), and when to reveal (heart-tugging incidents, high emotional scenes, etc.). The use of gifted, yet unknown actors, is a major plus, providing a convincing aura of a reality. The inclusion of footage that would never see the light of day in a Hollywood production (due to lighting issues, framing, sound dropouts, boom-mikes, etc.) furthers the ambiance of a documentary where second and third takes are just not possible. Nevertheless, does it work as a drama? Definitely! It is true drama, more so than most "reality shows". Shows that are mostly "scripted" beforehand and afterward. True emotions are evoked, whether it is apathy or aversion to certain characters. One is easily pulled in to the trials and tribulations of Tom Paulson as he fights for his dream and dignity. One even feels guilty for being reluctant voyeuristic witnesses to some of the more personal and troubling events portrayed. An original score by Sean Gourley and Curt B. Walheim, that is both fitting and at times haunting, enhances the experience. 
The true strength of the film is its multi-layered presentation. It is a stark portrayal of the business of making films, especially Independent films in the world of Hollywood. One experiences how the media can easily manipulate one’s perceptions of reality, whether that media be documentaries, news, drama, commercials, Reality TV, or a combination thereof. Moreover, They Shoot Movies, Don’t They? is engrossing human drama. I feel that They Shoot Movies has earned a place in the canon of Independent films exploring the business and art of filmmaking that includes: Pipe Dream (2002), Hollywood North (2003), Day for Night (1973), The Player (1992), State and Main (2000), and Full Frontal (2002). The DVD Video: 4:3 Quality is quite good considering the original source (Beta SP -- pre-HDV) Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo Quality is very good Extras: 2 Audio Commentaries: The Making of They Shoot Movies, Don’t They and a "Top Secret Commentary Track" (both with Writer/Producer/Star Tom Wilson, Director Frank Gallagher, and actress Adele Baughn). The latter reveals the old adage that "life imitates art". Theatrical Trailer for They Shoot Movies Opening Trailers: Lost Empires (1986), The Jury (2002), and Bellydance Performance Ensemble With Suhaila (can be skipped by selecting the menu button) Websites: They Shoot Movies Don’t They? Nobody Productions Goldhil Home Media |
| copyright 2006, Michael E. Carver Michael's Movie Mayhem |
They Shoot Movies, Don't They?... The Making Of Mirage
(Special Edition) - Nobody Productions, distributed by Golhil Home Media
Using his own funds, Tom completes and wraps the shooting on his first
feature film, on time and within budget. The ever-present documentary
crew now follows the process of making that dream a reality. With a
distribution deal in place, Tom and editor Craig Higgins work to finish
a rough-cut within a 2-week deadline, in pursuit of $80,000 needed for
post-production. As Tom visits the distributor after delivering the
rough-cut, we learn that not all is well. The distributor is not happy
with the results, but offers to get the picture finished, if Tom grants
total control of post-production. Not willing to see his dream remolded
by others, Tom sets off to find other funding sources.