Pittsburgh (2006)

Jeff Goldblum stars in this 2006 mockumentary of sorts of a Pittsburgh production of The Music Man. I say mockumentary of sorts because it's treated like a documentary, yet not taken as seriously as real one, and yet isn't funny and silly like a standard mockumentary.

In the movie, Goldblum plays himself - although it's not clear if the character is really him or a stereotype of him created by the roles for which he's known. He goes back to his hometown of Pittsburgh to star in a regional production of The Music Man because his actress fiancee needs a visa to stay in the country. It's a promising premise but it falls out of focus. Side stories of Goldblum's friends, Illeana Douglas and Ed Begley Jr., jump in from time to time. Goldblum's convinced them to join the show too, but we see a lot more of their non-acting life, than their work in the show - which may leave the viewer wondering why the other actors are there. Additionally, Goldblum's "creative differences" with the show's director make you more worried about the poor people paying to see the show than laughing at their exchanges.

Rating: 1/5
Recommended for: People who'd watch Jeff Goldblum in anything or would like to relive being in a production of The Music Man


Extended Review: I usually enjoy Jeff Goldblum. His roles in Jurassic Park and Life Aquatic are thoroughly enjoyable. The problem is Goldblum's Harold Hill is Dr. Ian Malcom with a bit more caffiene in his system. Harold Hill is a fly-by-the-seat of his pants wheeler and dealer, not droll, agitated, and squirmy. The difference between this and the comedy of a Christopher Guest mockumentary is the Guest characters usually think they're doing a great job and just go with the flow. The more trouble Goldblum has with the show, the more he wants to distance himself from it and even goes as far as telling a hotel staff member that the show probably won't go well on opening night. That may be real, but it's not funny.