"Actor," the latest series from Nima Javidi, is a pretentious and frustrating mess that squanders its intriguing premise and talented cast. This self-indulgent series, which follows two struggling theater actors living in an abandoned theater, is a tiresome exercise in style over substance.
The show's biggest flaw lies in its meandering and pointless plot. Despite the interesting setting of an abandoned theater, "Actor" fails to build any engaging storylines. Instead, it gets lost in endless scenes of aimless wandering, pointless conversations, and pretentious attempts at symbolism. The series lacks focus and direction, making it a chore to watch.
Furthermore, the characters are poorly developed and unrelatable. Ali and Morteza, the two leads, are frustratingly shallow and unsympathetic. Their motivations are unclear, and their constant whining and self-pity become tiresome quickly. The supporting cast fares no better, as they are relegated to one-dimensional caricatures with little to offer.
Javidi's direction is equally disappointing. His overreliance on slow-motion shots, long takes, and pretentious visual flourishes adds nothing to the story. Instead, it only serves to highlight the series' lack of substance. The pacing is glacial, and the overall tone is relentlessly bleak and depressing.
Even the technical aspects of "Actor" fail to impress. The cinematography is flat and uninspired, the editing is choppy and incoherent, and the score is forgettable. The production values are surprisingly low for a series from a director of Javidi's caliber.
Overall, this TV series is a misguided and frustratingly pointless series that fails to deliver on its intriguing premise. It is a self-indulgent mess that squanders its talented cast and pretentious direction. Avoid this one unless you enjoy watching paint dry.
