TRUST ME - TRIBECA REVIEW
Clark Gregg is probably best known for his portrayal of Agent Coulson in the Marvel Universe movies (from The Avengers to Iron Man, Thor, and now the upcoming “sure to be greenlit” TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) but he’s also a director as well (he adapted the Chuck Palahniuk novel Choke and directed the film version starring Sam Rockwell). His latest foray behind the camera is the sharp, witty, and fascinating TRUST ME which is sure to launch him into another foray: successful director. Gregg plays struggling Hollywood agent Howard Holloway, a failed child actor who now manages them. When we’re introduced to him, he’s a pushy blowhard with a good heart who’s trying to get his client into a big movie. He fails and the kid and his mother immediately fire him and head for greener pastures, namely fellow agent (and arch enemy) Aldo Shocklee (Sam Rockwell). All of this starts to change when he barges into a room and sees young actress Lydia (Saxon Sharbino), an extremely talented but full of trouble young girl. She sees something in Howard that she needs, and he sees Lydia as not only the big ticket he’s been waiting for, but truly someone he can believe in. At the same time, he finally gets the long sought after date with his gorgeous neighbor Marcy (Amanda Peet). All seems like it’s coming up roses for Howard, but life has its own twists and turns already set into motion for him, and his journey to make Lydia a star is going to be a much more complex road than he could possibly imagine.
Gregg has pulled triple duty here, writing, directing, and starring in Trust Me and impresses in all three. The script is incredibly witty and original, the direction sharp and confident, and his character of Howard Holloway is immensely likable and relatable. He’s got the charm that makes you believe he has survived in this business because of it, and the good natured will that will keep him pushing for more. Gregg has also compiled a fantastic cast around him. Amanda Peet compliments him perfectly as his new love interest and she’s hilarious and heartfelt. She truly becomes Howard’s rock. Sam Rockwell and Felicity Huffman are appropriately vile and hysterical playing his agent nemesis and the head of the studio with a gleam of viciousness in their eyes. As the young girls alcoholic father, Paul Sparks adds believable layers into his character and makes you believe he could actually help or hurt his young daughter’s career. Most impressive is young Saxon Sharbino, who as the smarter than her age Lydia lays in a performance that’s fully enveloped and powerful. She’s whip-smart and cunning, and may be in a situation that she needs to get out of. Her relationship with Gregg is touching and real, and the young actress excels in all of her scenes. She wants to be a star and is putting all of her trust in Howard, come hell or high water. The trust between them sparks the entire movie, from the fast paced first act to the much darker second act. A few things don’t gel perfectly, and the ending feels a bit rushed (I liked the darker tone but actually would have preferred the film be a bit longer and explore it a bit more). That being said, the script is witty and original, the director strong, and all the performances are great. Trust Me is a smart fable of the allure of Hollywood, and the struggle to get to the top, even if it means stepping on a few heads to get there.
VERDICT: MUST SEE
Written and Directed by Clark Gregg Starring Clark Gregg, Saxon Sharbino, Amanda Peet, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, William H. Macy, Paul Sparks, Felicity Huffman Country USA Content Disclaimer (Adult Situations, Adult Language, Mild Violence) For ticket and screening information: http://tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets
BOTTOM LINE: Sharp, Smart, and Original. Trust Me is a Hollywood story that you definitely want to hear.