Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Swimming with Sharks (1994)
I am so utterly tired of Hollywood movies about Hollywood. If I could never watch another movie about a struggling writer, actor, or director, I would. However, I have not seen many movies about struggling studio wannabes. And I have never seen a movie that portrays the studio executives in such a brutally dismal light.
"Swimming with the Sharks" is not a pleasant movie. But then, by all accounts, not all Hollywood studio executives are pleasant people. Back when this movie was made, it seemed like an extreme allegory of the sadistic greed and savage raw ambition prevalent in Hollywood. The ending, in particular, seemed unbelievable and exaggerated.
Recently, we have seen exposés on the corruption and abuse that occurs in Hollywood with the extreme imbalance of power in studio-talent/employee-employer relationships, and how those most powerful and most guilty of the most extreme abuse are most protected, much like priests by the Vatican. To the point where one wonders how much of an allegory this movie really is. It no longer seems so unbelievable or such an exaggeration.
Guy (Frank Whaley) is a personal assistant to a Vice President for a Hollywood studio. Guy's job is to serve Buddy as a servile sycophant suck-up, 24 hours a day, take all of Buddy's sadistic crap, and ask for another bowl as if he enjoys it. Once Buddy had to do this too. Someday, if he is a good sycophantic suck-up, Guy may be a vice president, too, in which case, Guy will finally get to be the guy dishing out the crap and others will have to take it. This is called paying your dues, or as I like to think of it, as aspiring to be a future sadist.
The director of "Swimming with the Sharks," Huang, began working from the bottom-up as an executive assistant at Columbia Pictures. Robert Rodriguez, stayed at Huang's apartment in Los Angeles, as his film "El Mariachi" was being prepared for release in the USA. Huang shared some story ideas with Rodriguez, who promptly told his new friend and roommate that he needed to immediately quit his job and make his own films. "Swimming with the Sharks" was the result, loosely based on his experiences at Columbia. Sadly, this was a career-limiting move for Huang, who has gone on to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work, directed independent films, but all his big-budget studio movies ultimately never seem to pan out.
This darkly satirical movie is a powerful film that warns about the intense power imbalance the filmmakers hold over all dreamers, and it did so before it became safe to say "me too."
"If they can't start a meeting without you, well, that's a meeting worth going to, isn't it? And that's the only kind of meeting you should ever concern yourselves with."
- You dislike psychological thriller films.
- You are sensitive to scenes with physical and mental abuse.
- You are not aged 18 above. The movie is intended for mature audiences only due to its violence and strong language.
- You prefer light-hearted or comedy movies. The film is a psychological drama with intense scenes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Swimming with Sharks?"I mean, you've got Kevin Spacey playing a Hollywood executive so mean, even a great white shark wouldn't have lunch with him!
I've seen more empathy in a piranha tank! And the whole time, you're thinking, "Is this a documentary?" Because, let's face it, we've all had that boss who makes a feeding frenzy look like a pool party.
Fight Club (1999)
"Swimming with Sharks" and "Fight Club" delve into the psyche of the modern working man, exploring themes of power dynamics, manipulation, and the struggle against oppressive systems. These films share a dark, satirical tone and offer biting critiques of corporate culture and the societal pressures of success. In addition, they both feature memorable performances from leading actors and contain surprising narrative twists that keep viewers engaged until the very end. Therefore, fans of the intense psychological drama and socio-political commentary in "Swimming with Sharks" will likely appreciate the similar themes presented in "Fight Club."
American Beauty (1999)Buffs of "Swimming with Sharks" (1994) will appreciate "American Beauty" (1999) because both films delve into the dark side of professional and personal life, with a sharp, satirical edge. They share a similar thematic exploration of the disillusionment and desperation that can lurk beneath a seemingly successful exterior. Both movies employ elements of dark comedy and drama to deconstruct the illusion of the American dream, featuring compelling performances by Kevin Spacey as complex and morally ambiguous characters.
Memento (2000)Devotees of "Swimming with Sharks" (1994) would appreciate "Memento" (2000) because both films share a common thread of featuring protagonists navigating through psychologically challenging situations. Just as "Swimming with Sharks" depicts the toxic, manipulative environment of the Hollywood film industry, "Memento" explores the turbulent journey of a man suffering from short-term memory loss. The complex narratives, dark themes, and character-driven plots make both films appealing to viewers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)Admirers of "Swimming with Sharks" will appreciate "Glengarry Glen Ross" due to their shared focus on the high-stakes, ruthless world of business. Both films delve into the cutthroat atmosphere of their respective industries, featuring intense performances and sharp dialogue that underscore the lengths people will go to in order to succeed. The depiction of power dynamics, manipulation, and the moral compromises made in the name of ambition in "Swimming with Sharks" is mirrored in "Glengarry Glen Ross," making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy darkly realistic portrayals of professional life.
The Player (1992)This classic satire of the Hollywood film industry by Robert Altman is an ideal choice if you relished the dark humor and industry commentary of 'Swimming with Sharks'. The film involves a film executive who starts receiving death threats from an anonymous writer. The sharp screenplay, a stellar ensemble cast, and Altman's deft direction make this a must-watch.
Citizen Kane (1941)Enthusiasts of "Swimming with Sharks" will also appreciate "Citizen Kane" as both films delve deeply into the psyche of powerful, complex characters. Just as Buddy Ackerman's manipulative nature and power dynamics in the film industry are central to "Swimming with Sharks," the exploration of Charles Foster Kane's rise to power and his ultimate downfall in "Citizen Kane" provide a similar exploration of character and power. Both films use innovative storytelling techniques, dark humor, and intense performances to engage their audiences, making them must-watch classics for anyone who enjoys character-driven narratives about power and manipulation.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)"Swimming with Sharks" (1994) and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) are movies that delve into the highs and lows of youth and ambition, albeit in different settings. "Swimming with Sharks" offers a darkly comedic look at the cutthroat world of Hollywood, while "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is a more lighthearted yet poignant exploration of teenage life and the search for identity. Lovers of both will appreciate the sharp writing, memorable characters, and the blend of humor and drama that tackle the trials and tribulations of navigating through challenging environments.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)Fanciers of "Swimming with Sharks" would appreciate "This Is Spinal Tap" as both movies offer a satirical, sharp-eyed look into their respective industries, showcasing the absurdity and challenges within. While "Swimming with Sharks" exposes the harsh realities of Hollywood through dark humor and intense performances, "This Is Spinal Tap" mocks the rock music industry through its mockumentary style, witty dialogue, and memorable characters. Both movies share a cutting-edge humor, a cynical view on fame, and a knack for revealing uncomfortable truths, making them enjoyable for viewers who appreciate insightful, industry-focused satires.
Raising Arizona (1987)Connoisseurs of "Swimming with Sharks" (1994) will also appreciate "Raising Arizona" (1987) as both films are dark comedies that explore the extremes of human behavior, albeit in different ways. "Swimming with Sharks" presents a biting satire of Hollywood's cutthroat corporate culture, while "Raising Arizona" is a wild, slapstick romp about a couple's desperate attempts to start a family. Both films feature dynamic performances from their lead actors, sharp dialogue, and a distinctive directorial style that blends humor with darker elements, making them a must-watch for fans of offbeat comedies.
True Romance (1993)Lovers of "Swimming with Sharks" (1994) will likely enjoy "True Romance" (1993) because both films share a kinetic and fast-paced narrative that combines elements of crime, dark humor, and unexpected plot twists. Both are known for their brilliant scripts, memorable dialogues, and strong performances from a stellar cast. Furthermore, they both delve into themes of ambition, obsession, and the drastic actions individuals are willing to take under pressure, offering a gritty, yet compelling exploration of human nature and morality.
Rushmore (1998)"Swimming with Sharks" (1994) and "Rushmore" (1998) are films that revolve around complex characters and unique, dramatic narratives, appealing to viewers who appreciate intense character studies. "Swimming with Sharks" offers a deep dive into the dark side of the Hollywood industry through the eyes of a young executive, while "Rushmore" explores the coming-of-age story of a quirky teenager in a prestigious prep school. The sharp dialogue, the blend of humor and drama, as well as the strong performances in both films, make these two a great pair for viewers who appreciate well-crafted, character-driven stories with a touch of the unusual.
Adaptation (2002):Charlie Kaufman wrote and Spike Jonze directed this film within a film that is a unique blend of genres. Nicolas Cage plays dual roles of a frazzled screenwriter and his imaginative twin brother, adding a fascinating layer to the cinema-focused plot. If you enjoy films about filmmaking like 'Swimming with Sharks', 'Adaptation' is definitely worth a watch.
The Artist (2011):Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, this French romantic comedy-drama is a wonderful tribute to classic Hollywood. Despite being a silent film, it smartly tells the story of a silent movie star meeting a young dancer. It provides a charming and heartfelt look into the world of cinema that is bound to intrigue any 'Swimming with Sharks' fan.
Birdman (2014):This Alejandro González Iñárritu film is a tour-de-force on many fronts, from its stellar cast to its innovative camera work. The story revolves around a washed-up actor trying to reinvent himself in Hollywood and offers an intense look at the entertainment industry's machinations much like 'Swimming with Sharks'. The outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton only add to the film's appeal.
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