Search - Casting About on DVD

Wonderful, Lyrical Documentary about the Art of Auditioning

David Coffman | Tempe, AZ United States | 01/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All Actors should see this as a primer for auditioning on camera.

Dozens of women in multiple cities and countries audition for a film that the director originally intends may include their audition clips, so he films them in DV with better lighting and more time than your typical audition. While the original film is never made, the auditions themselves are so moving and informative that the director and producer decide to release a documentary "starring" the auditioners.

There are some arty moments, including a lovely (but somewhat distracting) "hand ballet," but the bulk of the film is women talking and acting, sometimes very well, other times not so much. The director, producer and editor clearly have favorites, and they get much more screen time than others, but, for the most part, their choices are right on, and the chosen women are riveting to watch on screen.

This will never be a commercial hit, but it can be an invaluable tool for people in the business. I saw it at the Sedona Film Festival in March, 2005, and one of the Actors -- one of the "favorites" -- was there viewing herself for the first time. As educational for her as for the rest of us. There are a couple of recognizable names -- Madchen Amick among them -- but most are unknown and hard-working Actors around the world, striving for their first, or next, gig."