The Actor (I) (2018) User Reviews

The Acting School

[MogwaiMovieReviews · 2/10 · 17 November 2018]

Look, if this is a STUDENT movie, it's quite the achievement. If it's a REAL film, then it's pretty damn shockingly bad, and also has the worst sound editing (the acting class scenes) of any film you will have encountered.

The lead actor (and writer/director) is more often than not the weakest link, though, strangely, he also has a bunch of nice moments. And there ARE some genuinely funny and clever touches throughout, in the middle of a great ocean of hapless mediocrity. Kaye Tuckerman, as the acting teacher, is best, and really makes the most of her role, but most of the others are amateurish and wooden.

It's hard to say whether it is the direction and cinematography that are most at fault, because some of the actors seem to be putting in perfectly adequate performances, and yet those parts still feel like a YouTube video shot on someone's iPhone. The film has a rushed, unfinished, hard to follow tone to it, with schizophrenic moodswings between insightful lucidity and maniacal incoherence. It feels more than anything else like the vanity project of an unsound mind.

With a bigger budget, better cast, tighter story and direction, this could have been much more memorable, somewhere between, say, the 'Barry' TV show and 'Nightcrawler'. As it is, it seems to have one toe in 'Natural Born Killers' and the whole other leg in Tommy Wiseau's 'The Room'. I hope it was fun to make, though, anyhow.

Heavy Handed poorly done satire

[pryorla · 3/10 · 6 December 2018]

The acting was passable considering that the screenplay was so bad. The scenes were so uneven particularly the last one with the detectives. This was the worst thing I've seen in years and I watch B Horror movies! Unfortunately it is not bad enough to recommend as a "funny, you gotta' see this, it's SOOOOO bad" kind of movie". Keep trying though.

Worst film ever

[raven-sirius · 1/10 · 27 November 2018]

Badly written. Badly acted. No Directing.

5yo kids with a handheld and crayons could do better.

Shockingly inane

[mallaverack · 2/10 · 13 November 2018]

Well, well, what to say about a movie whose very title defies clarification. As such, plot leading to any sort of resolution, exposition or explanation does not exist here. The ending is as pointless as its beginning in which, from afar, we see 'the actor' burying something in a remote location. From this desolate place he apparently makes his way on foot to New York City! Having, it seems, absolutely no finances, the wannabe actor Joseph Kehir enrols in acting classes with the over-the-top tyrannical tutor Professor Payton, played with all the ferociousness she can muster by Australian Kaye Tuckerman. The film title's character is played by Bijan Daryani, whom I presume is Iranian - his biog notes (the whole 10 or so words) state that he is known as 'the Prince of Persia' and that he is 5 ft 9 inches in height! The lack of plot and disconnectedness of scenes may be due in part to Bijan taking on too many roles in the making of this pointless movie - he not only plays the lead role but serves as screenplay writer, producer, director, editor, production designer and set decorator. I guess we should give credit for effort, hence my score of 2/10. Otherwise you will be stunned by the inanity of this movie's weaknesses, from lack of characterisation and banal script to its illogical title. A real waste of time this one.

HILARIOUS, PROFOUND, AND FUN TO WATCH!

[princessd34 · 10/10 · 14 November 2018]

LOVED THIS MOVIE! It was funny, deep, entertaining, and had a message which is a rarity when it comes to films these days. All actors were superb and the visuals for the film were amazing! I LOVE THE AUDITION SCENE HAHAH!

A film that teeters between MEDIA and MANIA

[METROFACTS · 10/10 · 13 November 2018]

'The Actor is NOT a "HORROR" movie, it is a depiction, a scary reality if you will, of the life of an Actor and his place on our social media totem pole.

LIKES, FAME, FOLLOWERS, there is always someone else who has more and everyone else expect from you to try harder to gain relevance.

This movie retains the balance between this psychotic state and a very hilarious approach to telling of one's journey to becoming the "greatest".

It's satire people!

[MasterSOLO66 · 9/10 · 18 November 2018]

This movie is clearly a satirical look at our society and the constant need to remain relevant in social media standards.

I have to say I am shocked and some of the reviews I have seen on this site for this movie. It seems to me that the majority of moviegoers who have chosen to review here are only capable of viewing a movie at face value.

I will admit that the film does appear to have flaws but that's it's je ne said quo. That was the entire point of this film it seems.

What I took from this film is what I have always felt about our obsession of fame. Actors are inherently insecure, which is why they choose to be in an industry where there is a need for constant approval. The artists who are worth their salt risk everything to entertain...us.

A film for our age! See It!

[enochniki-12132 · 10/10 · 15 November 2018]

The Actor offers a devastating indictment of our current milieu - our frantic drive to fulfill Warhol's famous-15 curse and the price we pay for seeking external validation. It is also evidently a passion project of actor/ director Bijan Daryani whose storytelling is from a bygone era. In our age of big budget serialize CGIs and classic remakes, we've forgotten what raw acting look and sound like. The production's imperfections, so characteristic of inde films, unmasks the numbing effect of anesthetize sets and excessively rehearsed dialogue that dull our senses and deadens our ability to think. The actor will move you and maybe even make you squirm in your seat; most importantly it will make you think. Daryani's obtuse antihero - like his counterparts in the works of Camus, Kafka and Dostoevsky-is a cold-blood killer who has devolved into an internet invertebrate and reminds us that cognition is all that separates us from non-thinking beings.

Interesting! Thought Provoking and Hilarious!

[noirvisualsclub · 10/10 · 13 November 2018]

By the end, I didn't know what to make of it, but now I understand the film much better. This film is must viewing, it brings out the truth about today's world - Nothing but stupid people becoming famous.

We live empty lives attached to phones, controlled by social media and slaves to likes.

quality acting! The cinematography is stylish, and music was hypnotic.

Overall, see it, it's satire, black comedy, social commentary and more!

One of the Most Authentic & Surprisingly Funny MOVIES of 2018

[ragincajun24 · 10/10 · 12 November 2018]

Smart, Dark and Full of Laughter.

A metaphor for what's truly happening today in our society. There are ton of BIG laughs and DARK TRUTHS. A disturbing and truly authentic look inside a mind of a psychopath on the path of fame and how social media has shaped our society today. This movie takes us beyond race, gender or religion. Takes a look at our humanity and our obsessions with fame. Hope you check it out and enjoy it!

A great movie

[thealishow · 10/10 · 18 November 2018]

A must watch. Interesting story with amazing cinematography making this movie extraordinary advances on the level of innovations,

Must see for independent cinema

[Iceman1xl · 9/10 · 2 December 2018]

Amazingly shot, beautifully acted, takes a look into the world of acting and the mind of the unstable. Also a look at how people interact with each other in these modern times.

#someliveforfamesomekillforit

[houseofdiesels · 8/10 · 29 November 2018]

Amazingly talented cast & lots of laughs. Brilliant movie, incredible and talented cast! Highly recommend!

Entertaining and Enthralling and Hilarious

[pradacoulter · 10/10 · 28 November 2018]

Great acting and strong story, Some scenes had me laugh out loud. The film can get a little confusing or even perplexing at times, but in a good way. The soundtrack is original and supports the scenes brilliantly. The film is centered around the life of a mentally disturbed actor who takes on this weird, quirky, creepy journey. I feel great sorrow for actors who are put on the spot and are berated by the fabulous Kaye Tuckerman who steals the movie with her performance. I thought this movie was thought provoking and exposes the "6 seconds or less" audience.

The Best Cinematography Of 2018!

[fatima-11007 · 10/10 · 16 November 2018]

All too often in cinema the story and the 'style' don't go hand in hand. When you see a cinematic that goes beyond just having visual and sound effects, and the aesthetics show elevates the story it deepens our connection to the story. The Actor does just that, the story and cinematography go hand in hand elevating all senses.

What a Journey!

[ursamajor-83518 · 10/10 · 21 November 2018]

The journey of the artist is a lonely one. Full of weird twists, turns, and unbelievable circumstances. This film somehow manages to capture all of these nuances into a clever, thoughtful meaningful way. When we ask ourselves "what does it take to be successful," this film explores the absurd realities of that, and remains judgment free of some of the uglier truths prevalent in this industry. More importantly, it's FUN to watch. Far from preachy, and full of genuine original moments, it is unbelievable to believe that this project had no major backing.

This movie reminded me a of a play, so maybe not everyone's cup of tea.

[eddiemoney73 · 8/10 · 29 November 2018]

Joseph Kehr is a punching bag of the movie. It's a startling, disturbing picture of social disarray, Low Budget Indie ahead of it's time. The blend of visuals, performances, and sound is pretty impressive for a no name brand. Curious to see what else they have in stored.

Enthralled in creepy moments, the humor comes from many of the strong supporting actors. Kaye Tuckerman blows the roof off in the acting school scenes.

Writer, Director and Lead actor, Bijan Daryani gives an unnerving performance as the antagonist Joseph Kehr.

The cinematography was spectacular.

The music was perfectly aligned with the theme and keeps the scenes tied together exceptionally.

Weird Indie film that never takes itself too seriously.

[dashingviolets · 8/10 · 28 November 2018]

This film cleverly mashes narcissism, social media obsession, and the glorification of fame with homicide, but you may laugh so loud at the protagonist Joseph Kehr that you won't be able to hear yourself laughing with him. There are some slow moments but the build up for the final audition scene is hilarious. Pay attention.

Strap in and enjoy the ride.

[estephen-22608 · 10/10 · 30 December 2018]

This film is definitely an unthethered trip inside the mind of an actor in the best way possible. The question of what it means to the greatest in your craft really shines through and pulls you through. Definitely worth the watch!

This movie was both fun and terrifying.

[mythclassic · 8/10 · 31 January 2019]

Joseph Kehr s a driven man reminiscent of a sociopath. His motivation and seeming lack of empathy seem to derail his pursuits in fame. This low budget indie does a pretty good job on guiding audience through the pursuit of the modern actor. Darkly funny.