Jake Kasdan chose a fascinating subject to write about and direct. Although the result of such a fantastic premise could have been better, it's still a great 90 minutes to spend for just about anybody with an interest in TV and movie entertainment. Throughout the movie, we get to meet colorful and interesting characters, most of them brilliantly played by a solid cast. Sigourney Weaver's character is probably the one with the best material and injects a dose of comical cynicism that reminds me of a Stanley Tucci. It's nice to see her in that kind of role. The rest of the cast is very good with perhaps David Duchovny struggling a little in the lead role.
But without a doubt, the star of the movie is the premise and Kasdan's commentary on the so-called "creative process" behind TV shows and how he reveals what goes behind the scene. Although we are clearly in fiction, many of us who have been involved in this business will recognize that there is more than a little grain of truth to this story. I have read a lot of comments panning the ending of TV Set, something which I can't agree with. Clearly, a lot more material could have been added to the movie in-between its beginning and its end, but it does seem Jake Kasdan's priority was to showcase the process of a TV show's creation from beginning to end and in this way, it succeeds and its ending is very much on target.
I think this movie could have become an all-time classic if not for some flaws. The first of which is that the material, characters and dialogs vary wildly in tone and quality. And although I don't dislike Duchovny, I really think a better actor with more range would have added a lot of effect. The whole subplot about Klein's back problems was also totally unnecessary and detracts from the effect Kasdan was probably looking for as well. And finally, in a perfect world, Kasdan would have added another 30 minutes and used his mix of drama and comedy to greater effect.
Still a solid 7 for revealing a world that should no doubt depress a lot of TV fans and hopefully, make them question their sense of taste and perspective, or lack thereof.
But without a doubt, the star of the movie is the premise and Kasdan's commentary on the so-called "creative process" behind TV shows and how he reveals what goes behind the scene. Although we are clearly in fiction, many of us who have been involved in this business will recognize that there is more than a little grain of truth to this story. I have read a lot of comments panning the ending of TV Set, something which I can't agree with. Clearly, a lot more material could have been added to the movie in-between its beginning and its end, but it does seem Jake Kasdan's priority was to showcase the process of a TV show's creation from beginning to end and in this way, it succeeds and its ending is very much on target.
I think this movie could have become an all-time classic if not for some flaws. The first of which is that the material, characters and dialogs vary wildly in tone and quality. And although I don't dislike Duchovny, I really think a better actor with more range would have added a lot of effect. The whole subplot about Klein's back problems was also totally unnecessary and detracts from the effect Kasdan was probably looking for as well. And finally, in a perfect world, Kasdan would have added another 30 minutes and used his mix of drama and comedy to greater effect.
Still a solid 7 for revealing a world that should no doubt depress a lot of TV fans and hopefully, make them question their sense of taste and perspective, or lack thereof.