Trust Me

Along with the obscure gem "The TV set", this movie "Trust Me" is one of my favorites for blowing the lid off the sleazy cut-throat industry that cranks out what we're all here for: movies. It does it in an entertaining way, both darkly comedic as well as suspensefully dramatic. And ultimately it depicts the powerful & eternal struggle between honesty and success (which applies no matter what career we're talking about).

As other reviewers have said, don't just expect a comedy although the wacky title and DVD description may lead you to believe it. Instead this is a powerful story with a lot of heart. It does have some really funny moments particularly in the beginning, but as the tangled web gets woven, the film appropriately shifts to a more serious tone, almost like a thriller or crime drama at times.

Writer-director-star Clark Gregg knocks it outta the park on all levels. He plays the quintessential good guy in a sea of scum (such as the awesomely detestable Sam Rockwell playing his arch-nemesis, a rival agent). All his life he seems to be the personification of "nice guys finish last". But then he meets up with his one big shot: a talented unknown actress played by Saxon Sharbino (herself a fresh new face). But things soon get crazy, and I'm not just talking about the sleazy Hollywood types. The story takes an unexpected twist which really puts our hero to the test regarding how far he should go to protect the young girl who has put all her faith in him.

Some surreal dream-like moments (such as maybe a vampire scene?) and nice cinematography add tremendous personality to this flick. The script is excellent, especially with the witty, fast-paced banter between Gregg and Amanda Peet. And be on the lookout for some great bit roles by William H Macy (the creepy Audi salesman), Molly Shannon (the "milf") and the aforementioned Sam Rockwell.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is considering getting into, or who is currently in, the entertainment business whether it's acting, writing, singing or heck even professional athletes & artists whose careers are potentially shaped (mutilated?) by those slick suits we know too well. Similarly-themed and similarly-vibed films include "Circus Maximus" about a writer who has 1 weekend to write a blockbuster film, "The TV Set" about a writer whose honest idea is slowly getting corrupted into a Hollywood abomination, and of course the big one "Jerry Maguire" about a sports agent's last shot at the big time. Alongside "Trust Me" these are all great flicks that might just change your approach to career & life. Vampire fangs are optional.

A black comedy about a Hollywood Agent, superbly portrayed and directed by Clark Gregg.

He was definitely "swimming with sharks" here.

The film not only portrays the industry in a not always flattering light, but shows the obstacles that can be thrown in the way of doing the "right" thing.

Some great character development, but here, as in Hollywood, who would you/should you trust?

A standout performance by Saxon Sharbino, as part of a very talented cast.

Definitely a film to see.

Trust Me: When I came into this movie, I really thought it might be a more comedic effort along the lines of ' Life with Mikey' with Michael J Fox. I should have known better from the guy who directed Choke. This is a timely movie in a lot of regards with the recent sex scandals coming out of Hollywood and I also watched the documentary An Open Secret which will really make you question humanity. This is about a talent agent for children who is really struggling, down on his luck and finds a new talent who is truly mind blowing. But this is only the tip of the iceberg though. It digs into this world and what it means to live in it. It feels like a drug and you continue chasing that high no matter what the cost. Clark Gregg plays a former child actor turned talent agent representing children. He understands what that life was like and knows what they need. He seems to genuinely care about their well being while everyone else is looking for their piece of the pie. The thing is the way it ends though is a tiny bit uncomfortable. I won't give it away here but this changes the movie entirely. It becomes a strong drama and the title is essential to the theme of trust. Trust in your parents to help you. Trust in your friends to know when you're in a bad situation to help you. Trust that someone else has your best interests at heart. Trust that you're not a pawn in their game. Trusting in nothing becomes a very tiring and lonely life. Never to have your trust rewarded and to always have people fail you. It's a really solid movie and I look forward to what Clark Gregg does next. I give this movie a B.

Really good at the beginning and then it COMPLETELY lost itself at the end. American Beauty, Uncut Gems and Birdman all did it better.

I can't add anything to the descriptions already given in previous posts. It is all they have said - well acted, well directed, unlikeable characters, twists at the end, a strange and odd ending. It's all these things.

But the question I keep asking myself is "Did I like the film?" And, honestly, I don't know. There are funny scenes, heart wrenching scenes, confusing scenes. I don't know if I would ever watch it again, but,yet, I couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to know how it ended. I wanted to see the whole movie.

And, in the end, isn't that what movie makers want from a movie? Making us have that feeling that we MUST watch the movie to the end? Even when we can't really say we are enjoying our viewing experience, we also can't turn it off or walk away because we have to KNOW how it ends.

That's how I feel about this movie. Did I like it? I can't tell you I did but I can tell you it was a movie I couldn't stop watching.