Friday, August 18, 2023

Inserts (1975)

 It's depression era Hollywood. Richard Dreyfuss had been a "boy wonder" director, but he couldn't make the transition to sound. Down on his luck he is now making pornographic films for producer Bob Hoskins. When leading lady Veronica Cartwright dies mid production from a drug overdose, Hoskins 'Girl Friday' Jessica Harper offers to body double for some "inserts", while her beau and male lead Stephen Davies are out disposing of the body.

The once great filmmaker reduced to shooting porn has story potential, there is ugly pathose there. The idea calls for a big screen treatment, and a budget. 'Inserts' is really more of a filmed play, one set and five characters. It has its moments, but mostly overplays them. The story is often off putting, though by its nature the story should be so. NC-17 with arty airs. The film Dreyfuss made immediately before becoming a star with Jaws.**

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