(Viewed at the Midwest Independent Film Festival, Chicago, 2006)
Imagine interviewing for a job. Now imagine that you are asked a myriad of questions. Add on top of that you will be asked to perform your job--whether you are a cook, a fireman, a plumber or an accountant--right there. Now imagine it being filmed and shown to audiences around the globe.
"Casting About" opens such a window in the world of actor's auditions. Actresses from London, New York, Germany, Los Angeles, and Chicago came in for an audition for a movie that eventually lost its financing and has been shelved.
We get to watch the audition process from introduction through prepared monologues to cold readings of the script.Each step of the way we are witness to the angst, the nerves, the revelry, and the artistry of acting.
The single camera forces the viewer to really take in what the actors are experiencing. We never see director Barry Hershey or producer Lewis Wheeler. But their deft touch for performances and their ability to mine for deeper truths resonate throughout the film. What's more, we catch tantalizing glimpses of what they could have done with the original film
Another positive note is that we see Hershey and Wheeler's respect and love of actors. They let us see some amazing actors doing their craft. Nothing to hide behind. No effects, no wardrobe, no set. Just one person speaking to the camera.
Some of the performances make you laugh. Some make you cringe. Some leave you wondering why anyone would open themselves up to possible ridicule and criticism. And one or two special pieces confirm that despite Hollywood's desire to crank out movies and not films
..there are a few actors out there who can stir the soul and touch you deeply simply by their words and their inspiring talent as actors.
