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My Big Break

  • 2009
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
137
YOUR RATING
My Big Break (2009)
In this unflinching documentary, director Tony Zierra captures the surprising changes in the lives of his aspiring actor roommates over ten years. Incredibly, three of them get their Big Break when he's filming, while the fourth is nearly destroyed by watching the others become stars. "My Big Break" is a rare look at how people can be changed forever, but not necessarily for better, when their dreams come true.
Play trailer0:51
1 Video
2 Photos
Documentary

Documentary that captures celebrity in the making and the unsettling effects of fame on five friends who share a house in Hollywood.Documentary that captures celebrity in the making and the unsettling effects of fame on five friends who share a house in Hollywood.Documentary that captures celebrity in the making and the unsettling effects of fame on five friends who share a house in Hollywood.

  • Director
    • Tony Zierra
  • Stars
    • Wes Bentley
    • Chad Lindberg
    • Brad Rowe
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    137
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Tony Zierra
    • Stars
      • Wes Bentley
      • Chad Lindberg
      • Brad Rowe
    • 11User reviews
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    My Big Break
    Trailer 0:51
    My Big Break

    Photos1

    View Poster

    Top cast15

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    Wes Bentley
    Wes Bentley
    • Self
    Chad Lindberg
    Chad Lindberg
    • Self
    Brad Rowe
    Brad Rowe
    • Self
    Gregory Fawcett
    Gregory Fawcett
    • Self
    Tony Zierra
    • Self
    Ivana Chubbuck
    • Self
    Lee Daniels
    Lee Daniels
    • Self
    Alex Ebert
    Alex Ebert
    • Self
    Sandra Fawcett
    • Self
    Amy Galaudet
    • Self
    Jennifer Quanz
    • Self
    Mark Schaller
    • Self
    Mark Skelly
    • Self
    Kevin Spacey
    Kevin Spacey
    • Self
    Andrew Tsao
    Andrew Tsao
    • Self
    • Director
      • Tony Zierra
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    7.7137
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    Featured reviews

    10MGMboy

    The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of.

    "My Big Break" is an astonishing achievement in documentary film-making. In telling the true story of the struggles of four actors and one filmmaker trying to make it in Hollywood one might say this is the most raw, honest, and enduring tale of tinsel town since the mythic and fictional "Sunset Blvd." It not only chronicles the rise of three young actors to sudden breathtaking fame but also the flat line of the fourths attempts at a career. And of course what the film is ultimately presenting is the fascinating tale of the film itself being made and trying to make it within the insular and cannibalistic land of the lotus-eaters. Brilliantly shot, edited and narrated by director Tony Zierra this is a must see for anyone with the slightest interest in Hollywood behind the scenes. (Or in pursuing a career there.) It is harrowing, funny, and deeply moving. I never expected to get sucked in by this but I must admit by the last entry from Wes Bentley juxtaposed by what the ultimate outcome of the tale turned out to be, well I nearly wept at the loss that was presented. Whether it is Hollywood, Hong Kong or San Francisco and you are a movie star, or an average Joe on the street it all boils down to what life is and what it can do to a dream and ultimately the dreamer. The score for the film is by a young rising talent out of Liverpool, David Ben Shannon. His contribution to the film is impressive. The score ranges from hip Hollywood sound to a few well places musical homage to films of the past. See if you can spot them. The score soars and supports the film just where and when it needs to. Overall a fine debut by an artist we will be hearing more from in the future. And I am sure more great things will come from Director Tony Zierra. A strong, passionate filmmaker who deserves at last his "Big Break"! Five stars and Bravo!
    10SillyGayBoy

    Moving and real

    A documentary about 4 people wanting to make it in Hollywood. This is a goal for a lot of people, and not everyone can make it happen. These 4 in an apartment end up with more success then what anyone would expect, but Hollywood can chew people up and spit them out.

    Along with success comes not having more success to follow it, as well as other dilemmas. People assume a big break would be so amazing but when success hits too hard to fast it can be overwhelming. Lives can change too drastically and not always for the better.

    A very well done documentary with such candid interviews told so well. Wes is by far my favorite but there was a lot of insight all around. I would recommend to anyone but particularly those interested in acting or interested in the psychology behind it, and rising to fame.

    As I write this it seems the only way to watch is buying on their website in a digital download format.

    http://www.mybigbreakmovie.com
    10sashworth

    A hard hitting look at the price of fame

    My Big Break is a documentary that unfolds like a punch to the gut. It took years for Tony Zierra to put it together, and like a fine wine it's now ready to be savored.

    When I first saw it, I really wasn't that invested in being there at the start, but as the movie unfolded I was hooked. I couldn't look away.

    Anyone who wants to get into movies should see this film as a warning about what to expect. The rest of us should see it because it's at once entertaining, engaging, funny, and tragic, and it features real people.

    Hollywood doesn't want you to see this film, and that's a shame. In today's world of informed people, documentaries like those by Michael Moore, Al Gore and Morgan Spurlock are appreciated and enjoyed. Tony Zierra's film ranks with the best of them, and I hope that the fact Hollywood doesn't want it to be seen by the general public won't actually hinder its ability to find an audience.

    Go see it; you'll be glad you did.
    10rcastle16

    This Film is the real Hollywood story, Keep up the great Work!

    Tony Zierra magnificently puts to screen the real story of four roommates trying to make a name for themselves in Hollywood. While one maybe "destined" for greatness, others struggle through their potential - that may never surface… This is a genuine movie, featuring a world within Hollywood we all wish to have an inside look at.

    The film takes the viewer through so many emotional levels, you can't help but feel the pain that success brings to someone who is not quite ready for it.

    Brilliantly directed and masterfully set up. This is one of the best true Hollywood films, and it will remain that way.
    10marsgibbs

    I said it again -- Hollywood is a rough place.

    Now I get why the slogan for this documentary is "Are You Ready?". I can tell you that I wasn't. I assumed that it would be a fun maybe juicy trip through what it's like to get exactly what so many of us would like to have: fame and fortune. think about how many people, myself included, have wished we could trade our ordinary "normal" lives for the glamour of Hollywood. Not that I ever thought I would really go for it but we can dream, can't we? This documentary was a real wake-up call for me. Funny but watching it made my holiday better because it made me appreciate my life and my family more than I usually do. I felt like this hype about how great celebrities lives are is just that...hype. There's nothing real about it. Obviously getting famous messes with people big time. I was always confused about that. For instance, why do so many big stars from Marilyn Monroe to Owen Wilson seem so self- destructive when they have everything? This documentary helped answer that question for me. Honestly though, it also made me feel guilty for pushing my daughter, who is 19 toward being an actress. She's really talented and I guess I felt a little bit like she might have a chance to live out the dream I always had but didn't go after. We watched this movie together and afterwards she told me that she'd rather go into nursing and I'm glad. On a kind of funny note: the guys in the movie are all really good looking in different ways so there's that to add to your viewing pleasure.

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      Features Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss (1998)

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • September 19, 2009 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Minu suur läbimurre
    • Filming locations
      • Canada
    • Production companies
      • MBB Group
      • Mantic Eye
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 41m(101 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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