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Writer/director Christopher Guest has parodied rock bands, folk groups, dog shows, and even community theater. This time, he’s going straight for Hollywood with a film satirizing actors and their Oscar obsession.
The stars of the low-budget drama Home for Purim aren’t really worried about awards. Actually, they’re just lucky to be working on a real movie—instead of shooting hotdog commercials or performing in a widely unpopular one-woman stage show. But then online reports begin to suggest that the role of Esther, a dying Jewish mother, might earn actress Marilyn Hack (Catherine O’Hara) an Oscar nomination—and everything changes overnight. Marilyn begins to get calls for talk show appearances—and after she appears on one local show with costar Victor Allan Miller (Harry Searer), word begins to spread that Victor may be nominated for his performance, too. Then an article in Variety suggests that Callie Webb (Parker Posey) is on her way to a nomination, too. It seems that the only star not up for nomination is Brian Chubb (Christopher Moynihan).
Amid the Oscar buzz, the studio begins to make changes in the script—to make it more suitable for a wider audience. And as Oscar Nomination Morning approaches, the release of the new hit movie (now titled Home for Thanksgiving) stirs up a media frenzy. Everyone loves the film—and the stars can’t wait for that big moment when their nominations are announced and they’re forever thrust into superstardom.
For Your Consideration takes a step back from Guest’s typical mockumentary style. It’s even more toned-down than you might expect. For that reason, fans of Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show might be disappointed by the beginning of the film—because it takes a while to build up to Guest’s usual overdone, over-the-top humor. It’s mildly amusing, but it’s not necessarily laugh-out-loud hilarious. But give it a little time. Once the media frenzy begins—once viewers are introduced to hip Hollywood reporters Chuck and Cindy (Fred Willard and Jane Lynch) and Love It Hate It TV film critics Ben and David (Don Lake and Michael Hitchcock)—things pick up, and it’s back to the same old satirically silly Guest.
If you tend to get caught up in the whole awards season buzz—or if you know someone who does—then you’ll get a good laugh out of For Your Consideration. It’s good—but it’s not Guest’s best. If you’re a fan, think of it as Guest Lite. But if you’ve never seen one of his films before, check this one out—then make your way up to Waiting for Guffman.
