72 recensioni
Maybe I've watched this on the wrong day. Or possibly the right day. I have the closing credits still on, it's that raw. Just 10 hours ago I contemplated suicide. Not for the first time, but I had reasons. Strong reasons.
I didn't go through with it because of my family. Because of my future. But I've come home low, and obviously didn't tell my wife how close I came. So watching this... quite accidentally, actually. I didn't twig what it was about and how ironic it was until I was some way in.
It's helped. Helped me see that as down as you can get, it's such a final solution. I've always thought I've not gone through with it because the way I'd prefer to do it with a gun. Being English, I can't just walk into a store and buy one. I don't even know how to get one illegally - I guess I'm one of the good guys.
So as someone suicidal, this film totally resonates. Would I go on it? Quite possibly, yes. Not for the money, we're not in trouble. But because it legitimises the act. It makes it less personal, as I'm sure you'd feel a purpose to it. And suicide is about losing your purpose.
I know I'm not at that stage. Hopefully, I never will be. But this film, whilst I wouldn't say "it's saved my life" it's a help. Today of all days.
Thank you to all involved, if any of you ever read this.
I didn't go through with it because of my family. Because of my future. But I've come home low, and obviously didn't tell my wife how close I came. So watching this... quite accidentally, actually. I didn't twig what it was about and how ironic it was until I was some way in.
It's helped. Helped me see that as down as you can get, it's such a final solution. I've always thought I've not gone through with it because the way I'd prefer to do it with a gun. Being English, I can't just walk into a store and buy one. I don't even know how to get one illegally - I guess I'm one of the good guys.
So as someone suicidal, this film totally resonates. Would I go on it? Quite possibly, yes. Not for the money, we're not in trouble. But because it legitimises the act. It makes it less personal, as I'm sure you'd feel a purpose to it. And suicide is about losing your purpose.
I know I'm not at that stage. Hopefully, I never will be. But this film, whilst I wouldn't say "it's saved my life" it's a help. Today of all days.
Thank you to all involved, if any of you ever read this.
Reality TV has gone too far and it should not move any further. Also society might derail if it continues this path. So let's watch out for that. The predictable preachy plot of the movie is one thing and at least it doesn't take any prisoners. But the message is being hammered so hard, that any subtlety is being lost entirely which is a shame.
The game show concept we see here and the blood lust of the viewing public is almost comical. Not because of the consequences, but because of the cliches it serves to. So the inciting incident at the beginning will spin the whole thing out of control, but with a very easy to spot goal/target. If you shut out the obvious, you may be able to "enjoy" the movie ... if not you may stay clear from this
The game show concept we see here and the blood lust of the viewing public is almost comical. Not because of the consequences, but because of the cliches it serves to. So the inciting incident at the beginning will spin the whole thing out of control, but with a very easy to spot goal/target. If you shut out the obvious, you may be able to "enjoy" the movie ... if not you may stay clear from this
- BeastMovieAddict
- 21 gen 2018
- Permalink
A sad look at the reality of reality tv. How far is too far, when it comes to the truths of peoples lives? If you want to watch a film that pushes the boundaries of the possibility of where entertainment can go in the not so distant future, then this film is for you. It has strong remnants of Black Mirror. It's scary how close to this reality we are every day.
- bstanovick
- 29 dic 2018
- Permalink
The show, this was a different taste different type for me, havent seen a movie like that, the main idea was peoples sacraficing for each other, and all this tv propaganda to gain financial support attention and confidence, and how is money affecting people how they act with it, the exchange was soul for money, we all know money is controlling the world its the main cause of violent and disturbing, the message was clear and simple from it, the characters were acting great all of their appearances were there, giancarlo espocito was really there with his acting great performance and a great role, wasnt long wasnt boring, i was just keeping with the story from the beginning, they delivered the ending and we got it how things changed, this movie aint for all people you might not find it intresting but its good for its genre, 6/10⭐
- Matin_Shwany
- 9 set 2019
- Permalink
I was primed for a cheap schocks, bad taste kind of movie and this was definitely more thoughtful and considered than that. What I couldn't get my head round for the entire running time (and what really dulled my enjoyment of the film) was how the host could at any point believe he was doing the show for the betterment of people (be they relatives/individuals/audience). It just wasn't a rational conclusion for a non- seriously mentally ill person to draw (as illustrated by the fact that everyone else in the movie thought the direct opposite). On a positive note I was impressed by the bombast of the ending even if it did get a little (more) ridiculous.
- alanhowden-86367
- 13 set 2021
- Permalink
The show, this was a different taste different type for me, havent seen a movie like that, the main idea was peoples sacraficing for each other, and all this tv propaganda to gain financial support attention and confidence, and how is money affecting people how they act with it, the exchange was soul for money, we all know money is controlling the world its the main cause of violent and disturbing, the message was clear and simple from it, the characters were acting great all of their appearances were there, giancarlo espocito was really there with his great performance and great role, wasnt long wasnt boring, i was just keeping with the story from the beginning, they delivered the ending and we got it how things changed, this movie aint for all people you might not find it intresting but its good for its genre, 6/10⭐
- Matin_Shwany
- 8 set 2019
- Permalink
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- 10 apr 2020
- Permalink
First, I am a big fan of Giancarlo Esposito who has been in many films as well as gained much notoriety as the Meth Dealing King in "Breaking Bad". Although I'm not sure, I believe this is his directorial debut in a feature length motion picture.
Without any spoilers, I will sum up why I thought his was a very well done and interesting film.
The premise: A reality show host witnesses two contestants get killed on live TV in a previous show he hosted. Fed up with mindless fake Television (aren't we all?) he formulates a "real" and fully transparent Isea for a show that has people wanting to commit suicide live on TV. The idea is, the network will put up $100,000 and the TV audience can match or donate as much to the surviving family members to better their lives.
Clearly, I'm sure this concept would break many laws in each and every state in the U.S. But, as is done in Hollywoodland, they address the legal aspects and find loopholes to allow this to be broadcast.
What I thought was very entertaining and thought provoking was the simple concept that Reality Television seems to be getting more and more perverse and it's not impossible to believe something of this sort and magnitude will eventually air and be watched by millions. This is not to say actual suicides will ever be televised. My point is, it seems television today has to go bigger and bolder to outdo one another to gain ratings.
The acting by all was way above par. The story line and plot simple enough but highly engaging. The concept very morbid but again, there is a quality of realism in its concept.
This is a very different story then the typical slop put out within the premise And done with a reality I thought was accurate. One caveat....again, I don't believe a show like this would ever be aired and those who would watch should have their heads examined. That said, I give it an 8/10 for originality and something entirely different.
Kudos Giancarlo!
Without any spoilers, I will sum up why I thought his was a very well done and interesting film.
The premise: A reality show host witnesses two contestants get killed on live TV in a previous show he hosted. Fed up with mindless fake Television (aren't we all?) he formulates a "real" and fully transparent Isea for a show that has people wanting to commit suicide live on TV. The idea is, the network will put up $100,000 and the TV audience can match or donate as much to the surviving family members to better their lives.
Clearly, I'm sure this concept would break many laws in each and every state in the U.S. But, as is done in Hollywoodland, they address the legal aspects and find loopholes to allow this to be broadcast.
What I thought was very entertaining and thought provoking was the simple concept that Reality Television seems to be getting more and more perverse and it's not impossible to believe something of this sort and magnitude will eventually air and be watched by millions. This is not to say actual suicides will ever be televised. My point is, it seems television today has to go bigger and bolder to outdo one another to gain ratings.
The acting by all was way above par. The story line and plot simple enough but highly engaging. The concept very morbid but again, there is a quality of realism in its concept.
This is a very different story then the typical slop put out within the premise And done with a reality I thought was accurate. One caveat....again, I don't believe a show like this would ever be aired and those who would watch should have their heads examined. That said, I give it an 8/10 for originality and something entirely different.
Kudos Giancarlo!
- stephenw-30180
- 14 set 2017
- Permalink
- ludichrisallen
- 22 giu 2020
- Permalink
Not the best acted movie overall, but still pretty good and definitely a unique concept. And although I want to say it's ridiculously unrealistic... is anything unrealistic?
I'd even say "the world we live in today" is nuts enough to spawn a show like the one in this film, but I'm not sure we're any more nuts today than any past version of humanity (we used to draw and quarter people, chop their heads off in a guillotine, watch gladiator fights, etc.).
So, this is an extreme look at what society becomes when we are hypnotized by the drama of watching others suffer, when we don't have basic empathy for our fellow human beings.
The thing that hit me hardest is the storyline about the man who falls into hard financial times and can't provide for his family. I have personally experienced extreme financial distress and it's literally the only thing that has made me seriously consider ending my own life.
What the man in this film goes through is exactly how it feels when you can't make money -- when you try and try and no one will hire you for any kind of work, or when you're working 10x as hard as anyone else you know, and making 1/20th of what they are. It's the most demoralizing thing in the world.
People act as though you must be flawed, you must be doing something wrong, it MUST be your fault. We live in a society where people who don't have money are looked at as morally inferior. It's horrible. So I felt this character's pain to my core.
And it was sad to see his own wife act like he was failing her. I mean, what the heck was he supposed to do??? Here the guy is trying as hard as he can and she's telling him he's going to lose her and their kids if he loses their house. WOW. But again, not a surprise. When you're down financially, people will kick you (with rare exceptions) or just turn their backs.
I'm perhaps just now coming out of my own financial dark night which has lasted several years, and I can't say it's made me feel very good about humanity, aside from a couple of really amazing people who have helped me in ways I will never fully be able to thank them for (even if I'm able to repay them for the financial help they've offered).
Unfortunately, my situation has left me with a bad taste in my mouth about humanity in general. So, back to this movie... while it's pretty shocking, it's a fairly accurate, if not literal, portrayal of humanity's lack of care for each other.
I am not in the place of deep sorrow I have been in over the past few years, but if I was, I'm not sure I could handle this movie. Which is why I feel like it should have a trigger warning for those who may be contemplating ending their lives. However, I also think it does a pretty good job of not glamorizing suicide, so that's a positive.
Anyway, overall this was a very unique film, if not the best acted (Josh Duhamel's range in particular was just okay, not great). Giancarlo Esposito is always worth watching in my opinion, and he does a very good job in this. Worth watching for the social commentary alone, as long as you know up front that the subject matter may be difficult to take.
I'd even say "the world we live in today" is nuts enough to spawn a show like the one in this film, but I'm not sure we're any more nuts today than any past version of humanity (we used to draw and quarter people, chop their heads off in a guillotine, watch gladiator fights, etc.).
So, this is an extreme look at what society becomes when we are hypnotized by the drama of watching others suffer, when we don't have basic empathy for our fellow human beings.
The thing that hit me hardest is the storyline about the man who falls into hard financial times and can't provide for his family. I have personally experienced extreme financial distress and it's literally the only thing that has made me seriously consider ending my own life.
What the man in this film goes through is exactly how it feels when you can't make money -- when you try and try and no one will hire you for any kind of work, or when you're working 10x as hard as anyone else you know, and making 1/20th of what they are. It's the most demoralizing thing in the world.
People act as though you must be flawed, you must be doing something wrong, it MUST be your fault. We live in a society where people who don't have money are looked at as morally inferior. It's horrible. So I felt this character's pain to my core.
And it was sad to see his own wife act like he was failing her. I mean, what the heck was he supposed to do??? Here the guy is trying as hard as he can and she's telling him he's going to lose her and their kids if he loses their house. WOW. But again, not a surprise. When you're down financially, people will kick you (with rare exceptions) or just turn their backs.
I'm perhaps just now coming out of my own financial dark night which has lasted several years, and I can't say it's made me feel very good about humanity, aside from a couple of really amazing people who have helped me in ways I will never fully be able to thank them for (even if I'm able to repay them for the financial help they've offered).
Unfortunately, my situation has left me with a bad taste in my mouth about humanity in general. So, back to this movie... while it's pretty shocking, it's a fairly accurate, if not literal, portrayal of humanity's lack of care for each other.
I am not in the place of deep sorrow I have been in over the past few years, but if I was, I'm not sure I could handle this movie. Which is why I feel like it should have a trigger warning for those who may be contemplating ending their lives. However, I also think it does a pretty good job of not glamorizing suicide, so that's a positive.
Anyway, overall this was a very unique film, if not the best acted (Josh Duhamel's range in particular was just okay, not great). Giancarlo Esposito is always worth watching in my opinion, and he does a very good job in this. Worth watching for the social commentary alone, as long as you know up front that the subject matter may be difficult to take.
Do you like watching people commit suicide for two hours? Then you'll love this!
This is a not-particularly-subtle indictment of reality television and our enjoyment-of-the-pain-of-others culture. Criticism of reality television seems anachronistic at this point; this kind of vitriol (though perhaps warranted) was outdated a decade ago. The characters are not characters; they are plot devices filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing. They have no substance; they act because the writers want to make a point. That point? Something along the lines of "Don't take enjoyment from the pain of others." There. I summed it up for you so you don't have to watch people commit suicide for two hours. You're welcome.
This is a not-particularly-subtle indictment of reality television and our enjoyment-of-the-pain-of-others culture. Criticism of reality television seems anachronistic at this point; this kind of vitriol (though perhaps warranted) was outdated a decade ago. The characters are not characters; they are plot devices filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing. They have no substance; they act because the writers want to make a point. That point? Something along the lines of "Don't take enjoyment from the pain of others." There. I summed it up for you so you don't have to watch people commit suicide for two hours. You're welcome.
This film tells the story of a reality TV host, who witnesses a murder and a suicide on his program. Instead of being fired, the studio asks him to host a new game show, in which they do live broadcast of people committing suicide for money.
"This Is Your Death" is a very powerful film. It keeps me interested and engaged all along, because the lack of morality of the story is just too disturbing to ignore. It provokes thoughts and discussion regarding assisted suicide. The idea of broadcasting it live for TV ratings is a big moral and ethical question as well. The story is very disturbing and appalling, but the thing is that it is believable. It is a great film with an original and unbelievably gripping story.
"This Is Your Death" is a very powerful film. It keeps me interested and engaged all along, because the lack of morality of the story is just too disturbing to ignore. It provokes thoughts and discussion regarding assisted suicide. The idea of broadcasting it live for TV ratings is a big moral and ethical question as well. The story is very disturbing and appalling, but the thing is that it is believable. It is a great film with an original and unbelievably gripping story.
The premise for this movie is pretty sick and the reality that we, as a species, could one day come full circle and find entertainment in watching people die like we did thousands of years ago is a scary one.
I like the interpretation of what this might actually look like in the modern world. And the movie packed a punch that made it quite powerful and engaging.
Clearly this movie isn't for everyone, and if the idea of it turns you off then you're better off not watching it.
But if you like Black Mirror, then this will probably work for you, it isn't excecuted quite so well, but it's definately similar in many ways.
7/10
I like the interpretation of what this might actually look like in the modern world. And the movie packed a punch that made it quite powerful and engaging.
Clearly this movie isn't for everyone, and if the idea of it turns you off then you're better off not watching it.
But if you like Black Mirror, then this will probably work for you, it isn't excecuted quite so well, but it's definately similar in many ways.
7/10
When i read the title and the summary of this film i thought that it sounded interesting and so i watched it.
My thoughts are that the actors were very convincing in their rolls and the story line kept me hooked until the very end, i enjoyed the ending.
I wouldn't say this is a great film, but it helped pass the time and i don't regret watching it, some of these reviews giving 1 star, i don't think it is a fair score at all.
Because i liked the actors performance as a whole and i enjoyed the theme of the story line, i would rate this a 6/10.
My thoughts are that the actors were very convincing in their rolls and the story line kept me hooked until the very end, i enjoyed the ending.
I wouldn't say this is a great film, but it helped pass the time and i don't regret watching it, some of these reviews giving 1 star, i don't think it is a fair score at all.
Because i liked the actors performance as a whole and i enjoyed the theme of the story line, i would rate this a 6/10.
- haterz-42989
- 4 nov 2017
- Permalink
Definitely not as bad as I thought it would be. After reading many of the reviews, it thought it would be a disaster. Turned out that although it wasn't great, it definitely wasn't bad.
- charleswx-43127
- 12 nov 2021
- Permalink
A chilling movie, a terrifying idea that is not that improbable to see being realised in future times if we keep going like this. Generally good performances, I think the role suited Josh Duhamel and he did a good job.
There was crying involved.
Watch it.
- blackpian0
- 5 ott 2019
- Permalink
If you found this film "thought provoking" and "multi-layered" then I feel sorry for you.
I was hoping for a well acted, well done take on reality TV but after the first 15 minutes is was clear that none of the above can be said about this film.
I felt embarrassed for those involved. Famke Janssen (Once Upon a Time in Venice, Blacklist / Redemption, X-Men) James Franco (Why Him? Burn Country, 127 Hours, Spider-Man 3) Josh Duhamel (Several Transformers) Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break, Colony, Walking Dead)
It felt like they had just finished high school drama, amazingly dismal.
Several great actors with many MANY great roles behind them, I can only presume they were blackmailed into doing this project.
I was hoping for a well acted, well done take on reality TV but after the first 15 minutes is was clear that none of the above can be said about this film.
I felt embarrassed for those involved. Famke Janssen (Once Upon a Time in Venice, Blacklist / Redemption, X-Men) James Franco (Why Him? Burn Country, 127 Hours, Spider-Man 3) Josh Duhamel (Several Transformers) Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break, Colony, Walking Dead)
It felt like they had just finished high school drama, amazingly dismal.
Several great actors with many MANY great roles behind them, I can only presume they were blackmailed into doing this project.
- eggbp-378-544557
- 15 set 2017
- Permalink
The story/writing was very interesting and what hooked me into watching this film. Right from the start, the score was overbearing. All the main actors except for Giancarlo Esposito (who's performance was outstanding) gave a poor performance, especially Josh Duhamel. What's with this guys cone-head helmet hair? The directing was decent but could have been much better, especially in directing the actors to better perform as most were unconvincing. It's a shame, as this film had a lot of potential. Still, a decent watch and a 7/10 from me.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- 17 set 2017
- Permalink
This could have been a great film. As someone who read the original script it's disappointing they hired a novice writer who then ruined the integrity of the original. Mediocre directing by Esposito didn't help. The acting was phenomenal, including by the director who played a character, but it wasn't enough to save what was happening in the rewrites and directing. Duhamel should have won awards for his portrayal of Adam and the supporting cast was amazing! Enjoy watching this movie, but keep in mind just how great it could have been without the interference of managers who are only seeking to advance the less talented, novice writers of the world.
- sdproductions
- 26 feb 2023
- Permalink
When I read the synopsis I thought it must be a satire, so it shocked the heck outta me to discover just how seriously this film treats it's premise of a network television program that presents people killing themselves for money. It plays everything one hundred per cent straight; gives characters believable motivations; tries to navigate around the tricky issues of how it could be allowed on the air and how people might react to it, etc. Performances are sincere and credible; the direction is serviceable - primarily to be commended for the emphasis on making everything as real as possible; for the most part the script is intelligent and astute. And for the majority of the film my only complaint was that it could have delved even deeper into the moral, ethical and social implications even as it was clearly telegraphing where the movie was headed. The inevitable connection of plot threads which otherwise might seem a little heavy-handed seemed the perfect opportunity to really explore the complex issues being addressed. Sadly the film stumbled hard towards the finale in a desperate attempt to end on a positive note, even if that meant suddenly hurling the carefully established reality out the window and becoming stock, shallow and predictable. It sold itself out for a "happy-ish" ending. In that context what had earlier seemed simply a bit too obvious (you can clearly guess which characters are going to end up on the program) suddenly becomes more manipulatively pedestrian. I understand the urge to present a positive, hopeful message, but the switch from dark to light needs to be handled with more finesse and caution otherwise - as happens here - you simply spoil what was otherwise an excellent little film. It felt like a desperate alteration instead of something being built towards - perhaps it was imposed on the filmmakers during postproduction? Yeah, I'll choose to think that, rather than the filmmakers simply lost the courage to be true to their tale: which, in a nutshell, is the difference between something like Network, and what we have here.
- zandertowne
- 16 nov 2019
- Permalink
Oerverall an interesting reality of media channels. I enjoyed the movie. To the developers and marketing team of this movie I just request to put a link of this movie on Facebook. So that everyone can check in that he is watching this movie I tried but I couldn't find it there. Thank u
This film has a really interesting concept, which reveals our human fascination with the theatrics of death (which dates back to and beyond the Roman Colosseum), but also our unhealthy relationship with gamifying peoples lives and experiences in the name of entertainment. It demonstrates the immense pressure and stress day-to-day life can have on people, and the power of desperation.
There is an underlying conversation about how the sickness of addiction, loneliness, guilt, financial gain, greed and fame can eat away at a person, with clear references to sacrifice. We sacrifice our time and our lives to jobs which most people don't have a passion for or which fails to bring them fulfilment. We also sacrifice our pride by doing things we aren't proud of - for what? To survive and not thrive? The film draws on this by encouraging people to give the biggest sacrifice yet, their life for money, and the audience seems to believe this is greatly noble.
The TV show host's goal (played by actor Josh Duhamel) was to make something real which cuts through the fake 'reality' shows which flood our screens, but instead, gamified and glamorised suicide.
Things that truly shock us, in this case public displays of suicide, are only interesting because we are so numbed from the constant feed of content or information through our phones, TV and the media. Even the nightly news scare mongers us with solely grisly details. But this film confirms that our morbid curiosity only extends to strangers, to those who are distanced from our own lives and that we can forget about tomorrow, as we wait for the next viral shock.
The producers for the TV show within the film believes the audience craves death and destruction, when actually, a story of survival and the underdog beating the odds is what they craved. A story which provides hope that we too can survive this day and this life.
There is an underlying conversation about how the sickness of addiction, loneliness, guilt, financial gain, greed and fame can eat away at a person, with clear references to sacrifice. We sacrifice our time and our lives to jobs which most people don't have a passion for or which fails to bring them fulfilment. We also sacrifice our pride by doing things we aren't proud of - for what? To survive and not thrive? The film draws on this by encouraging people to give the biggest sacrifice yet, their life for money, and the audience seems to believe this is greatly noble.
The TV show host's goal (played by actor Josh Duhamel) was to make something real which cuts through the fake 'reality' shows which flood our screens, but instead, gamified and glamorised suicide.
Things that truly shock us, in this case public displays of suicide, are only interesting because we are so numbed from the constant feed of content or information through our phones, TV and the media. Even the nightly news scare mongers us with solely grisly details. But this film confirms that our morbid curiosity only extends to strangers, to those who are distanced from our own lives and that we can forget about tomorrow, as we wait for the next viral shock.
The producers for the TV show within the film believes the audience craves death and destruction, when actually, a story of survival and the underdog beating the odds is what they craved. A story which provides hope that we too can survive this day and this life.
- pollypreviews
- 9 apr 2024
- Permalink