I normally try and find something worthwhile in a movie that
I watch. I mean even a movie like PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE can yield something
entertaining. But the more this movie went on the less I found to like. Granted
there are a few moments that film lovers will enjoy but they are few and far
between.
The movie is presented as a way of showcasing different
directors discussing how they became the icons of film they are today and their
methods when it comes to making film. Those moments are the most enjoyable of
this offering. Those people include Adrian Lyne, Taylor Hackford, Jodie Foster
and John Badham, all amazing directors. But their involvement amounts to
perhaps 30 minutes of this 1 hour and 25 minute film. The rest is about
director Jonathan Baker.
Prior to this film I’d never heard of Baker. Looking at his
credits on IMDB it was easy to understand why. With just 5 acting roles to his
name and one movie that he directed I couldn’t help but wonder why he or anyone
else would attach his name to the word iconic. His largest number of credits
show as those playing himself, 20 items. Iconic?
The movie follows him talking about his life and referencing
things from his past. He repeatedly informs us of his friendship with Warren
Beatty as if simply knowing the man and being friends with him elevates his
status in the world. Sorry, it doesn’t. And since his accomplishments are
nearly non-existent why would anyone think that he was a subject worth discussing
in depth for a movie that discusses famous directors and talks to them about
their styles and first times as directors?
It’s as if Baker feels he has sage advice to pass along to
budding film makers everywhere, advice that will help them achieve success in
their futures. The fact is there are thousands who have reached the same level
of success that Baker has without having to name drop someone like Beatty
non-stop or act as if they’re best friends with the actors they work with.
Yes, Baker does show moments of time spent with the actors
involved in his single directing credit, a movie called INCONCEIVABLE. The film
starred Nicolas Cage, Gina Gershon and Faye Dunaway. Never heard of it? Me
either. My guess is it’s among the many Cage films that he’s made in an attempt
to pay off tax debts. I have to assume this is one of those straight to DVD
movies that are released every week. If that’s the case then how does this make
Baker iconic?
Most of the movie is spent with Baker talking about himself.
I find that not only to be self-serving but boring as well. I don’t really care
about where he was brought up or how he was raised. When he makes 20 box office
breaking movies perhaps that will change but at present that doesn’t seem
likely. The movie feels like a puff piece made by a friend and secretly funded
by its subject, an attempt to create a false fame for himself that just doesn’t
work. As it is I think Kato Kaelin is more famous and well known.
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