For those familiar with Guest's work, this wonderful little picture (I'm tempted to say "slice of life," but that isn't accurate either) might not seem to fit in with what he has done before. This is a long way from "Spinal Tap." It isn't a parody and it's far deeper psychologically than any farce you're likely to see this year. There are plenty of funny moments to be sure, but this film has a profound sense of loss to it as well. In short, there are a lot of unfunny moments, some close to being disturbing, and they are likely to catch the average viewer (and critic it appears) off guard. The characters take a beating and it shows. It works, it's believable, I was completely caught up in it, but I can understand why some had problems with it.
I would have liked the ending to have been less abrupt, to follow what happened to the one actor in the movie within a movie who did get a nomination, but what is there is perfect enough. Fred Willard is very good as an out-of-control Hollywood reporter who is a lot smarter than he looks and acts. And yes, Catherine O'Hara is worthy of an Oscar nomination. She won't get one, of course, as this is the kind of performance that never gets recognized by the Acadamy. But if you get to see what she does in this film, you will be well rewarded. For Your Consideration is that good.
I would have liked the ending to have been less abrupt, to follow what happened to the one actor in the movie within a movie who did get a nomination, but what is there is perfect enough. Fred Willard is very good as an out-of-control Hollywood reporter who is a lot smarter than he looks and acts. And yes, Catherine O'Hara is worthy of an Oscar nomination. She won't get one, of course, as this is the kind of performance that never gets recognized by the Acadamy. But if you get to see what she does in this film, you will be well rewarded. For Your Consideration is that good.