Show Business

Show Business is a 2016 satirical romantic comedy film directed by Alexander Tovar. Starring a talented cast comprising of Alexander Tovar, Amelia Meyers, and Jillian Johnston, the film centers around the ironies and realities that exist behind the sheen and glamour of Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large. The movie skillfully weaves reality with fiction, painting a captivating and relatable tale about the struggle artists navigate through in pursuit of their dreams and the love that blossoms amidst the chaos.

Set against the backdrop of the fast-paced Hollywood, the story introduces us to Guy Franklin (Alexander Tovar), an ambitious, struggling filmmaker. Guy is neck-deep in the unceasing struggle to carve a niche for himself in the film industry. Alongside his professional pursuits, he is also fighting personal battles - maintaining his relationship with his girlfriend Cassandra (Amelia Meyers), an equally ambitious actress aspiring to get her break in Hollywood.

Guy’s life takes a strange turn when he manages to secure a deal to shoot a documentary that could potentially steer his stagnant career toward success. There is only one catch – the subject of his documentary is the exorbitant celebrity lifestyle of a highly eccentric, scarily unpredictable Hollywood producer, Phill Burbank (Jillian Johnston).

As Guy reluctantly agrees to the deal, the viewers get a peek into the opulence, extravagance, and superficiality that defines Phill’s world. From his extravagant parties to his absurdly enormous entourage, from basking in the limelight to his seemingly disconnected private life, Phill's life is an antithesis to the struggles Guy is enduring in his career. The film instantly draws a parallel between the struggle of independent artists versus the seemingly all-glamorous life of successful stars.

Enter Cassandra, who is enmeshed in her struggles amidst futile auditions and an aspiration that remains unfulfilled. Her delicate relationship with Guy acts as another subplot, adding layers to the main narrative. The challenges they face in their careers eventually start to bleed over into their personal lives, testing their relationship. Their story remarkably reflects the journey of many Hollywood dreamers and their significant others, where their personal lives are taxed by their pursuits of fame and success.

Shimmering performances by both Alexander Tovar and Amelia Meyers breathe life into the characters of Guy and Cassandra. The characters are depicted in a way that makes them relatable to every individual who has ever dreamt of making it big in the industry. Jillian Johnston portrays the character of Phill with a certain crazed charm that captures the unpredictability of the Hollywood life, adding a touch of eccentricity, satire, and humor to the plot.

The narrative is laden with equal parts drama and comedy, splashed with a hint of romance. It offers an incisive critique of Hollywood's culture while also revealing the very human side of those involved in it. The glamour and glitz of Hollywood are depicted as a facade, behind which lies the harsh reality of struggle and compromise. Coupled with immersive dialogues, expressive performances, and a well-orchestrated soundtrack, the film creates a compelling narrative that keeps the viewers intrigued throughout the run.

There is a fluid interplay of humor, satire, pathos, and romance in the storytelling of Show Business that gives the plot a perceptive depth. The seamless direction by Tovar highlights the reality of Hollywood where the charmed life is a stark contrast to the trials encountered behind the scenes. It's insightful, introspective, and not afraid to draw from the darker elements of life within the industry, making Show Beauty an engrossing watch for movie buffs.

In conclusion, Show Business is a thoughtful exploration of the paradox that is Hollywood. It's relatable, engaging, and maintains a good balance between satire and realism. It's an apt homage to every artist who has had to navigate the treacherous maze of Hollywood to live their dream. With powerful performances and an engaging narrative, the movie stands as an insightful watch for anyone who loves films about the world of film-making.