Ep 6. Mr. Runner Up: My Life as an Oscar Bridesmaid (1)

Mr. Runner Up: My Life as an Oscar Bridesmaid (1) is the sixth episode of the second season of the documentary satire series Documentary Now! The series uses a mockumentary format to parody different styles and genres of documentaries.

This episode is a parody of the documentary film, The Kid Stays in the Picture, which chronicles the life and career of Hollywood producer Robert Evans. In Mr. Runner Up, the focus is on Richard Kunis, a struggling actor who always seems to be the runner-up for major film roles, oftentimes losing out to actors like Kevin Costner and Tom Hanks.

The episode is directed by Bill Hader and stars Fred Armisen as Richard Kunis, alongside a stellar cast of comedic actors, including John Slattery, Paula Pell, and Jack McBrayer.

The episode begins with a glimpse of Richard Kunis' early life and how he got into acting. We see him performing in community theater and eventually making his way to Hollywood, where he starts auditioning for roles. However, despite his obvious talent, Richard always seems to be the runner-up, never quite making it to the top.

Throughout the episode, we see Richard auditioning for various roles, including a romantic lead, a detective, and a superhero. We also see him attending various events, such as the Oscars, where he is always a nominee, but never a winner. We see Richard's frustration with his lack of success and his desperation to finally get the recognition he feels he deserves.

The episode also features interviews with some of Richard's friends and colleagues, who share their thoughts on his talent and his struggles. We see some of them trying to help him by recommending him for roles and giving him advice, while others seem to be taking advantage of him.

As the episode progresses, we see Richard's life unraveling, as he becomes increasingly desperate and disillusioned. His relationships suffer, and he becomes more and more isolated. We see him struggling with addiction and depression, as he tries to cope with his failures and disappointments.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Richard receiving a call that seems to offer him the break he's been waiting for. We're left wondering what will happen next, and if Richard will finally get his chance to shine.

Overall, Mr. Runner Up: My Life as an Oscar Bridesmaid (1) is a hilarious and poignant parody of Hollywood culture and the pursuit of fame and success. The episode brilliantly captures the essence of the documentaries it's spoofing, while also offering its own unique take on the subject matter. Fans of Documentary Now! and mockumentary-style humor won't want to miss this episode.