For Your Consideration (2006)

A bit of light relief in the London Film Festival stakes with the latest movie from Christopher Guest.  Although I understand that he dislikes the term "mockumentary" which is normally applied to all of his earlier films, this one was really more of a conventionally-scripted comedy, rather than a largely improvised trifle, written with his usual co-writer, actor Eugene Levy.  However all of his ever-growing stock company of actors were on view in this not-so-affectionate take on Hollywood paranoia.  Two veteran but faded actors, played by Catherine O'Hara and Harry Shearer, are starring in an Indie period piece called "Home for Purim" with rising actors, played by Parker Posey and John Michael Higgins.  When a rumour of potential Oscar nominations reaches the cast, three of the four become monstrous media personalities in pursuit of that elusive goal.  "For Your Consideration" is the tag line normally used in Variety ads to promote award hopefuls.  Onto the scene comes one of the money men, played by Ricky Gervais (did Guest really need to add him to the cast?), suggesting that the film is "too Jewish".  It is finally released as "Home for Thanksgiving" without making the expected flash.  Whereas Guest's earlier work finds a certain sweetness in his obsessed characters, this film left something of a bitter taste.  Still it was sharply scripted with some cutting insider jokes and it is always good to welcome back most of Guest's friends and familiar faces.