This Tom DiCillo's offbeat independent feature is an amusingly fun, deftly biting satirical comedy at the fame industry's expense. Outside of the self-centred glitz and glamour it still holds a gritty realism within, but its main focused is centred on a rag to riches tale where friendships are formed where true relationships are tested and eventually win out over jealous professionalism of the trade. To not forget about the people who are/or were important to their life's in one way or another. The innovative script throws up many candid reactions and crafts a humane angle to all of this gone to the head star struck business with an unpredictable zip.
Les Galantine a small-time paparazzi who prefers the title professional cameraman, where on one of his photo hunts meets Toby, a young homeless man who one day sees himself being an actor. Les decides to take on Toby, after his constant pleading even offering to help out free of charge. Les teaches him the ropes of the trade, and they slowly become friends, but in an accidental chance meeting Toby catches the eye of celebrity K'Harma Leeds and there's an instant attraction that could disrupt Les work/personal establishment with Toby.
A dependable, stellar cast give it all to their roles. Steve Buscemi's excellently snappy turn is one of uncertain complexity and vulnerability as the confidence comes from when he has a camera in his hand and along side him Michael Pitt brings quite a sincere, upfront quality that works when he's taken under the wing. Alison Lohman cosily paints it perfectly as the overwhelmed pop star and a scorching hot Gina Gershon is great as a feisty casting director manager that sees something special in Pitt's character. Also there are a few enjoyable cameos namely Elvis Costello.
Di Cillo's direction has a down to earth style, which seamlessly uses colourfully detailed location work and intimate camera-work. Attached is bouncy soundtrack that injects plenty of energy too. Also just after the credits have rolled over, we get a little bit more involving the Les character.
Les Galantine a small-time paparazzi who prefers the title professional cameraman, where on one of his photo hunts meets Toby, a young homeless man who one day sees himself being an actor. Les decides to take on Toby, after his constant pleading even offering to help out free of charge. Les teaches him the ropes of the trade, and they slowly become friends, but in an accidental chance meeting Toby catches the eye of celebrity K'Harma Leeds and there's an instant attraction that could disrupt Les work/personal establishment with Toby.
A dependable, stellar cast give it all to their roles. Steve Buscemi's excellently snappy turn is one of uncertain complexity and vulnerability as the confidence comes from when he has a camera in his hand and along side him Michael Pitt brings quite a sincere, upfront quality that works when he's taken under the wing. Alison Lohman cosily paints it perfectly as the overwhelmed pop star and a scorching hot Gina Gershon is great as a feisty casting director manager that sees something special in Pitt's character. Also there are a few enjoyable cameos namely Elvis Costello.
Di Cillo's direction has a down to earth style, which seamlessly uses colourfully detailed location work and intimate camera-work. Attached is bouncy soundtrack that injects plenty of energy too. Also just after the credits have rolled over, we get a little bit more involving the Les character.