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All Ed All the Time

Gregor von Kallahann | 03/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If Andy Warhol were alive today, he might conceivably modify his famous "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" quote to something like, "In the future, everyone will have his very own reality show"--which might require that one be in the limelight for a bit longer than 15 minutes actually...but would it be quality time?

Ron Howard's EDtv was not a huge hit at the time of its release, and critically, it was your classic "mixed" reception. And it suffered from coming so close on the heels of two other TV-themed films, THE TRUMAN SHOW AND PLEASANTVILLE. But EDtv is a genial movie, starring a genial Matthew McConaughey, an even more genial Jenna Elfman, and an array of genuinely genial to genially grouchy supporting characters. The casting is ingenious and almost "stunt," in that many of the cast have had their fair share of brushes with the tabloids and could certainly offer a few insights of their own as regards the pro's and cons of celebrity culture.

It's sly casting, but it's also good casting. Ron Howard's famous abiltity with actors serves him well once again in this project--so much so that even the occasional lapses in plot can be overlooked. That so many of the cast, including the director himself, are more known for the television work than for films lends this amiable satire an additional layer of irony. And also a certain validity. Julia Roberts would have been too much of a "big screen" star to take on Liz Hurley's role, for instance. Hurley, a model and hair product spokesperson (not even a series vet!) is really just "small screen" enough for her part as "a model and sometimes actress" on the make.

The notion of a 24 hour a day broadcast of one individual's life is perhaps less outlandish in 2006 as it was in 1998. Back in those days, "reality TV" was limited mainly to an MTV that was trying to redefine itself and a few other, relatively minor cable stations. The new millennium changed all that--although despite being inundated with so-called "reality," no network has offered the unedited version (so far).

And with good reason. It really would be too boring. EDtv (the movie) risks tedium itelf by clocking in at over two hours, which is a bit too long, by industry standards, for a comedy. It probably could have stood some editing itself.

Unlike the surreal TRUMAN SHOW, EDtv is based on the premise that people (regular guys and not just exhibitionists) might willingly permit their entire lives to be broadcast 24/7. Where would anybody get such an idea? The only way to sell the premise really is to have the cable network so desperate that they will try almost anything. Ellen DeGeneres' Network exec character complains that they are losing ratings share to the Gardening Channel, complaining that people "would rather watch soil." Not everyone at the network is convinced, however, and the show does get off to a shaky start. It's only when the camera uncovers family scandal that things start hopping ratings-wise and otherwise, and before you can say "EDtv" a phenom is born.

There's a certain irony in that particular plot twist that gives this media satire a bit of a leavening touch. Ed (with camera crew in tow) drops by brother's place for a visit only to find that brother Ray (Woody Harrelson) is with a woman other than the girlfriend (Jenna Elfman) both the film audience and now the TV audience have come to know. Of course, it's longsince been clear that Ed and Shari (Elfman's character) have had eyes for each other all along, so Ray's two-timing on TV is exactly the plot device that we've been waiting for all along.

Shari has been a camera-shy bit player in this farce up until now. Once she becomes Ray's ex- and Ed's current girlfriend, she finds the strain of 24 hour coverage of her personal life unbearable, and the relationship is almost nipped in the bud. Of course, even if the (movie) believes that their getting together is virtually inevitable, however, it's nonetheless true that it was the TV show that brought this pair together, and, one could argue, did so in such a dramatic way that the love that hits them could only be full force.

So when it all gets to be a bit much, and Shari breaks it off and runs, she can be said to be biting the hand that joined her and Ed together.

That little irony is certainly not enough to compel any sane person to want to remain in this intrusive set-up, and her frustration soon becomes Ed's. His subsequent plotting to get out of his contract is understandable and even laudable in that light. It does all go to prove, however, that life in contemporary, "mediated" America ain't simple. As insane as it can get and as overwhelmng as it can be, it even has its upside. Not the least of the benefits is Ed's the mega-salary (with its "balloon payments") that he still gets to keep, even after he officially reneges on the deal. The audience can't begrudge him that, norhis newfound happiness with Shari (about whom most Americans polled for USA TODAY had their doubts at first). That's all part of the American dream too. If you can hoodwink the powers that be, more power to you.

Speaking of Andy Warhol. I recall that back in the 60s, I used to be intrigued by the notion of a 24 hour movie of the Empire State Building or eight hours of someone sleeping. I didn't want to actually WATCH them necessarily, but I was intrigued by the fact that they existed. I don't imagine I would feel much differently about an actual EDtv (or a BOBtv, a MIKEtv or a SUSIEtv). Well, maybe I would check it out--for about fifteen minutes.





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Reality TV

J. Sprouffske | Rainier, WA USA | 02/03/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I remember when this movie first came out and people thought it was absurd. Who would tune in to watch a guy just being himself. Now all of a sudden in today's society it doesn't seem that odd. It is a somewhat cute movie. At times it could be considered a chick flick. I wouldn't necessarily consider it a comedy but it is pretty funny at times. The cast really comes through and rescues this movie from itself. I would only give it a 3 but with the all-star cast I'll give it a 4."