That Guy... Who Was in That Thing

That Guy... Who Was in That Thing is an exceptional documentary film that brings together sixteen actors who discuss their lives and careers, exploring the unique challenges they face in the highly competitive world of Hollywood. This 2012 film was directed by Ian Roumain and Michael Schwartz and is marked by a sincerity and honesty that is both engaging and refreshing.

The film adopts a casual conversational style, allowing the viewers an intimate glimpse into the lives of these actors who might commonly be referred to as "character actors," or "that guy" in that movie or TV show, whose faces are more familiar than their names. Featured actors include recognizable faces such as Xander Berkeley ("24"), William Morgan Sheppard ("Star Trek"), and Stanley Kamel ("Monk"), amongst others. Each actor has a plethora of film and television roles to his credit, yet they might not command the same level of recognition as some Hollywood A-listers.

Candidly revealing their successes and failures, these actors draw you into their world, highlighting the ups and downs of their journey with honesty and humor. The film successfully humanizes these actors, shedding light on the precarious nature of an acting career, and the constant hustle and commitment required to maintain it. Through their shared experiences and anecdotes, it gives an unfiltered view of what it means to survive and succeed, and sometimes fail, in the cutthroat Hollywood film industry.

That Guy... Who Was in That Thing does more than just show these men in interviews; it goes beyond the surface, giving viewers an insight into their personal lives as well, including their struggles, dedication, and ambition. Through each actor's individual story, a collective narrative unfolds, painting a picture of vulnerability, determination, and passion for the craft that is rarely shown in such raw and unfiltered detail. Each story is personal and unique, yet they all share a common thread - the ongoing pursuit of passion in the face of relentless challenges and rejection.

This documentary highlights the very real fact that Tinseltown isn't always as glamorous as it is made out to be - the portrayal of an actor’s life besieged by uncertainty, rejection, professional jealousy, and fleeting success-cases contrasts sharply with the star-studded, red-carpet image perpetuated by popular culture. The stories shared range from heartbreaking to triumphant and are filled with plenty of humorous and surprising moments along the way.

The film delves into the various facets of acting as a profession, covering auditions, rejections, periods of unemployment, heated rivalries for roles, personal sacrifices, and the struggle to always be relevant in an industry that churns out new faces at an astounding rate. It explores various themes, including the path to fame, coping with obscurity, and the ongoing struggle between artistic integrity and commercial success.

That Guy... Who Was in That Thing also offers a candid look at the economic side of Hollywood. The actors touch upon issues like pay inequality and the economic instability that is often concealed behind the glitz and glamour of the film industry. Despite the mundane issues they face, both on and off-screen, the film reveals the undying passion these actors hold for their craft and the gratification they receive out of their performances.

While viewers might recognize these actors from playing supporting roles next to Hollywood's A-listers, That Guy… Who Was in That Thing places them in the spotlight, giving them a platform to share their experiences and insights about the acting industry. The result is a fascinating, heartwarming, and sometimes brutal look at what it means to be a working actor in Hollywood.

In conclusion, That Guy... Who Was in That Thing is an insightful, honest, and entertaining watch. It offers a different perspective of Hollywood, far removed from the glitz and glitter, and primarily focuses on the less glamorous but equally, if not more, heroic journey of the character actor. This admirable group of men stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and undying love for acting. Though their faces may be familiar, this documentary will definitely make you see them, and perhaps the whole industry, through fresh eyes.