Judd Apatow’s recentNetflixoffering,The Bubble,took a comedic look at the pressures faced by a film’s cast and crew as they attempt to film a movie in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. It offers a satirical look at how Hollywood has handled the ongoing crisis, carving laughs out of situations that we’re all too familiar with.
Related:‘The Bubble’s Leslie Mann, Iris Apatow, Maria Bakalova and Karen Gillan on the TikTok Dance Scenes and Weird Press Questions
Whilereviews have been mixed, you can’t help appreciate any film that takes satirical look at Hollywood, celebrities and the film industry in general. It’s far from the first to do this though, with there being many movies that have turned the camera around to give us a glimpse behind the scenes, whether it be satirical or earnest.
Big Fate Liar(2002) - When Plagiarism Was the Worst a Hollywood Producer Could Be Accused of
Premiering at the height ofMalcom in the Middle’s popularity, this film featured teen starFrankie Munizas a chronic liar who takes on Hollywood producer, Marty Wolf. After Wolf, played byPaul Giamatti, hits Muniz’s Jason Sheperd with his limo, he comes into possession of the teenager’s creative writing assignment, titledBig Fat Liar. When Shepherd discovers that Wolf is adapting his story into a big-budget movie, he sets out with his friend Kaylee (Amanda Bynes) to prove that Wolf stole his story.
This is a fun family-comedy that many nineties and noughties kids grew up with. It offers a glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood, and takes a family-friendly look at its shadier side.
Argo(2012) - When Making a Movie Saved Lives
Based on a true story,ArgostarsBen Affleckas CIA agentTony Mendez,who orchestrated an operation to rescue American hostages during the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981. The method behind the rescue? They pretended to make a movie, with Tony hiring real film professionals to set up a fake movie production. This gives them a cover story to get into Iran, grab the hostages and get out, under the pretense of location-scouting for their movie.
As an added bonus, actressSheila Vandhas talked about how generous Affleck wasas the director on the film. It’s nice to know the production of the real film was a better experience than the fictional one.
Singin' in the Rain(1952) - A Classic About the Golden Age of Hollywood
While mostly known these days forGene Kelly’s iconic performance in the titular musical number,Singin' in the Rainoffers a fun examination of Hollywood in the ’20s, during the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’. This was turbulent time of change, as studios and stars adjusting to the change in the medium, with not everyone making it to the other side.
Utilising a back catalogue of songs used in MGM movies, this jukebox musical is full of memorable tunes and captivating dance sequences. What’s more, a70th anniversary 4K Blu-ray editionof the movie has just been announced for release, meaning that you can experience the film with the best possible quality.
Silent Movie(1976) - Sometimes the Old Ways are the Best Ways
Despite being produced in the 1970s, this comedy fromMel Brooksis exactly what it says it is - a silent movie - with only a single word spoken in the film (ironically, delivered by famed mime,Marcel Marceau). It sees Brooks playing a washed up Hollywood director named Mel Funn, who endeavours to make the first silent Hollywood film in decades.
Starring Brooks' regular collaborators, Marty Feldman and Dom DeLuise, as well as a slew of cameos from A-listers of the era, this is a fun and novel film that satirises the movie industry in Brooks' trademark style. For a film without dialogue, it actually has a lot to say.
Chaplin(1992) - The Life and Times of one of Hollywood’s Earliest Stars
Long before he was Tony Stark orSherlock Holmes,Robert Downey Jr.donned the distinctive mustache and bowler hat of the comedic icon of early cinema,Charlie Chaplin. This is an absolutely captivating movie, even for those not familiar with Chaplin and his films. Not only does it give insight into the life of the legendary artist, but it also offers a loving depiction of Hollywood’s infancy.
Related:The Best Charlie Chaplin Movies For Classic Film Beginners
It’s fascinating to watch Chaplin and his peers navigate the emerging film business, laying the foundations for what would become a colossal industry. You can’t help but feel respect for those early pioneers and their ingenuity.
Hitchcock(2012) - The Story Behind The Movie that Redefined Horror
Alfred Hitchcockis without a doubt one of the most iconic and influential filmmakers to have ever lived. This biographical film sees Hitchcock portrayed byAnthony Hopkinsand chronicles the turbulent production of one of his most famous and influential films,Psycho. Not only does it detail the production of the film itself, but it also examines the concurrent problems in Hitchcock’s personal life.
Related:The 10 Best Alfred Hitchcock Thrillers From The ’50s and ’60s
It’s a fascinating experience, not only getting a glimpse of the man’s talent and distinctive method, but also his shortcomings, especially in his marriage. It reveals the secrets behind a legendary film, while also offering a glimpse into the mind of a visionary.
Saving Mr. Banks(2013) - How Mary Poppins Took Flight
On the other end of the spectrum, this film details the turbulent production of a much more family-friendly ’60s classic -Mary Poppins. Starring the effortlessly charmingTom HanksasWalt DisneyandEmma Thompsonas Poppins authorP.L. Travers, this film dramatizes (and maybe sugar-coats) the friction that existed between the two creatives during the movie’s production.
While it may not be entirely historically accurate, it’s still a very moving film that explores a beloved classic. Besides, Hanks and Thompson are phenomenal in their roles and the film does a marvelous job at recreating that ‘60sDisneyatmosphere.
Hail, Caesar!(2016) - A Satirical Love Letter to a Bygone Age of Cinema
Directed by theCoen Brothersand featuring an ensemble cast of A-listers, includingGeorge Clooney,Josh Brolin,Scarlett JohanssonandChanning Tatum, this comedy film takes a fictionalized look at 1950s Hollywood. Primarily focused on Brolin’sEddie Mannix, a real-life producer and ‘fixer’ of the era, the film sees Mannix deal with several problems involving fictional actors and films. Chief among which is the kiddnapping of Clooney’s film star, Baird Whitlock during production of the titular Roman epic.
It offers a loving and lighthearted look at the era, while satirizing some of its more ridiculous aspects, including impressive pastiches of some the stars and popular genres of the era.
The Disaster Artist(2017) - Sometimes Truth is Stranger Than Even the Strangest Fiction
The 2003 movieThe Roomhas gone down in infamy as the poster child for “so bad, it’s good” cinema, garnering a cult following. This film, based on the non-fiction book of the same name, details the film’s production through the eyes of one ofThe Room’s stars,Greg Sestero, played byDave Franco. It chronicles Sestero’s meeting and budding friendship with the infamously mysterious and quirkyTommy Wiseau(played by Dave’s brother,James Franco), as Wiseau embarks on a quest to bring his perculiar cinematic vision to life.
Even for people not familiar with the subject, this is a funny, entertaining and even touching film about creative vision and the ups and downs of film-making.
Tropic Thunder(2008) - When Actors Indulge in Self-Parody
Directed byBen Stiller, this action-comedy boasts an ensemble cast that includes Stiller,Jack Black,Tom Cruise,Robert Downey Jr.andSteve Coogan. It follows a group of Hollywood actors filming a Vietnam War film who end up unknowingly being dropped into the middle of a drug gang’s territory. Believing that they are being filmed with hidden cameras, the group of high maintenance actors attempt to make their way through the jungle and finish the film.
This movie is satire at its finest, as it pokes fun at actors of all sorts - from low-brow comedians to high profile method actors. It offers a refreshing self-awareness and criticism of Hollywood and celebrity culture.
Keep Reading:7 Movies Like ‘The Bubble’ To Watch For More Meta-Comedies
