|
by Jonathan W. Hickman
In The Independent Film Channel's new animated series "Hopeless Pictures," Mel Wax (Michael McKean) is the head of a struggling small movie studio called Hopeless Pictures. The studio is named after his deceased parents, Hope and Les, who are never out of Mel's mind. But as much trouble as he is having finding his next theatrical hit, Mel's personal problems are far worse. While contenting with the ineptness of his idiot nephew (played by show creator Bob Balaban) and artfully dodging his wife's probing questions about his extra-marital affairs, Mel must find the Zen combination of perfect writing, directing, and acting that will insure his company's continued existence. And you thought that you had problems.
"Hopeless Pictures," the series premiering tonight, is big funny and isn't just for movie insiders. Spoofing the Hollywood game is nothing new (recently, HBO's "Entourage," has been successful with raunchy glee), but "Hopeless Pictures" nails the hypocrisy and pathos with hilarious accuracy. In talking with Michael McKean and Bob Balaban, they wouldn't provide the names of those inspiring the characters in their show but they hint that the "Hopeless" stories are extrapolations of true tales from the movie capital.
The show can be seen tonight on IFC at 10 pm. Nine episodes have been completed and after watching the first show, I will definitely be tuning into those that follow.
For more information about the show and the rest of the IFC line-up visit the IFC website: http://www.ifctv.com/ifc/home
Listen to the interview in streaming audio (requires Apple Quicktime)
Jonathan W. Hickman
|
American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of
thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red
Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.
