Games People Play

This flick is a prime example of all that is wrong with independent film today. Take a damaged egomaniac, some money, and desperate actors and you get this disaster of a "film?" If you enjoy this consider therapy. Were it not for the publics insatiable appetite for the lowest form of entertainment (ie. reality tv) this turkey would be roasted for Thanksgiving. Mr. Whitney uses the cast to work out his own issues, probably masturbating during the process. What could be seen as "edgy" is in really just a desperate attempt to get on the radar. Support of this film constitutes acceptance of mediocre to horrible production values, and a cheap payoff as entertainment. Watch out there are more coming.

A reality MOVIE. There are auditions for a new reality show in New York. Six young (20 somethings), attractive people (6 men, 6 women) are chosen. They are to go out (with hidden cameras) and do stunts that wouldn't be allowed on TV. The guys have to get urine samples from people; the women have to (literally) seduce delivery boys; the guys have to act out a scene on a casting couch and try to seduce the actresses; they all have to go out in Times Square and get total strangers up to their hotel room to be part of a naked, singing trio...

There's also the auditions which include tons of full frontal nudity (male and female), simulated sex (straight and gay) and the stunts have the main six actors almost constantly nude. If you want to see attractive, young people nude this is your movie!

Also the six are psychoanalyzed by a woman during the show (which only lasts 72 hours). They all have deep, painful things that come out and these are very disturbing to watch. The same thing during the auditions--they had over 100 people and all had to open up. These sequences are almost impossible to watch--the one that got me was a woman admitting she was bulimic and seeing her boyfriend out in the audience crying. They're fascinating but VERY uncomfortable. I almost left. Some people would call this pure exploitation but the actors knew they were being filmed and agreed to it. So--if they didn't mind....

So those scenes were extremely powerful. But the stunts were just silly and (despite all the skin showing) quite dull. However there was a twist at the end I didn't seeing coming and all six actors were exceptionally good. What I really liked was even though they were competing they were always very friendly and there for each other. That was refreshing. The nudity was certainly attractive...but it gets old quick and none of it was really erotic. Some people like this...others don't. Really hard to rate but I'll give it a 7.

They DO have a sequel in the can that takes place in Hollywood.

I saw a screening where one of the actors--David Maynard--had a Q&A afterwords. He defended the movie pointing out all of it was real and no one was forced to do anything. He came across as a very friendly, handsome guy--I think his talk helped boost my rating a little.

James Ronald Whitney wastes no time in telling the audience that this film is a pitch for a possible game show, a game show that must be watched after the kids have been put to bed. Full-frontal nudity, a boatload of it, is the least surprising thing about the film. We are first made privy to the auditions for the film, which turn out to be very interesting in themselves. The entire film was shot in 72 hours, which is why the raw feel to its production is forgivable. If anything, it actually enhances the experience of watching it and lends some credibility to the film.

The question the film asks the audience directly is: What would people do to win $10,000? While that amount is minuscule compared to the grand prizes awarded on other shows, it will no doubt be higher if the show is picked up by a network. Once the foundation for the film is in place, 90 minutes of adult pranks, voyeurism and stunning confessionals follow. Where most "reality" shows are inflated and overly self-conscious, Whitney's film does not claim to be something it's not and it makes no apologies for its content. It has a rare kind of integrity to it and ultimately, the viewer is rewarded with a satisfying ending, one that has you secretly craving a little more.

While at Cinevegas 2003 I came across an intriguing new film by the name of "Games People Play", a film I enthusiastically recommend all too watch. Beginning as just a casting call, the film progresses into a fascinating series of complex counseling sessions, hilarious adult pranks and has a twist that leaves you wanting more.

This movie is what reality television has been lacking. A combination of Candid Camera, The Real World, nudity and a bunch f*^&ed up individuals who end up creating a thrill ride that will have you talking for weeks. Reality-whore's throughout America will not be disappointed.

You are immediately entered into the director's journey to create a television pilot that is being pitched to the networks. The journey continues as you quickly pass through the sensory-invigorating screen tests and true stories. The mood quickly changes as the hotter-then-fire cast of six is chosen and the games begin. From pranks on pedestrians, to delivery boys, to the titillating casting couch the game jumps back and fourth to the intimate true-stories of the contestants that will leave you weeping.

This refreshingly original, campy and wholesome movie will leave you contemplating, happy, distraught, and utterly in disbelief of what you just watched. An original movie I recommend for everyone to watch.

It captured my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was quite different from any other film I've seen. All the elements of creativity, deroulement, interaction among characters, and great writing came together to create a viewing experience that has yet to be experienced by many. Great job!