Watch The Work and the Story

The Work and the Story is a mockumentary set in Hollywood, California that takes a satirical look at the movie industry through the lens of one eccentric director's career. The film seamlessly blends fact and fiction as it draws parallels between the director's exaggerated life story and the industry as a whole. The film centers around the director, Donald W. Thompson (played by Nathan Smith Jones), who, at the beginning of the film, is on the brink of completing his latest work, a mockumentary about his own life. Thompson is a somewhat delusional figure who sees himself as a visionary artist who is ahead of his time, while others view him as a washed-up has-been who never really made it in Hollywood.

Throughout the film, Thompson guides the audience on a tour of his career, sharing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories of his various films. These stories are often bizarre and absurd, showcasing Thompson's grandiose and idiosyncratic personality. They also reveal the harsh realities of the movie industry, where success is often determined by marketability and profitability, rather than artistic merit.

Several of the mockumentary's films are briefly depicted, including a sci-fi thriller about giant hamsters, an action movie about a man who turns into a robot, and a spy flick starring dogs. The films are shown in the context of the mockumentary, through Thompson's recollection of them and anecdotes from other characters.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Thompson's reputation and career are in jeopardy, and his latest project is crucial for his comeback. However, the process of filming the mockumentary is fraught with problems, including a lack of funding, skeptical investors, uncooperative cast and crew, and constant miscommunication. Add to that the fact that Thompson's vision is often at odds with reality, and it's clear that the production is headed for disaster.

Despite these challenges, Thompson is relentless in his pursuit of his vision, and the film takes on a life of its own as the director's reality begins to blend with his unreality. The mockumentary's cast and crew are made up of a group of fictional characters who often interact with Thompson in surreal and unexpected ways. There is Jen Hoskins, a young actress who is trying to make a name for herself, Eric Artell, an aspiring filmmaker who becomes Thompson's protégé, and a host of other characters who add to the film's absurdity.

In the end, The Work and the Story is a clever and entertaining satire that exposes the harsh realities of the movie industry while making us laugh at the same time. The film is filled with witty one-liners, subtle jabs at Hollywood's obsession with fame and fortune, and unforgettable characters. The mockumentary is not only a commentary on the movie industry but also a celebration of the art of filmmaking and the passion that drives those who pursue it.

Overall, if you are a fan of mockumentaries or enjoy a good laugh, The Work and the Story is definitely worth checking out. It's a unique and hilarious film that provides an insider's look at the movie industry in a way that only a mockumentary can.