I'll be honest and say that I have only got one episode of this show to base my opinion on and that, as much as I would like to see more to round my view, it seems unlikely that I will get the chance to do so. I saw the episode of this show that featured the film Half Nelson but the approach was typical for the series. Essentially the makers are introduced to a small audience who then watch the film in question then engage in a question and answers session at the end. To my mind it sounds like a good idea and in theory Half Nelson should have produced some interesting questions because I did not expect it to be a film that totally won over its audience 100%.
The problem with the Fabulous Picture Show is this, although the structure suggests debate and unscripted dissension, the actual delivery is surprisingly superficial and tame. Palmer is part of the problem as creator and presenter; she is far too glossy and airy to make the show anything other than that. The lack of really probing questions is another issue for Half Nelson the questions were more compliments with a "?" at the end rather than actually good questions.
Suddenly, before you even realise it is over, the show finishes and Palmer stands with the makers looking for a quick sound bite, which she managed to get from even that rather indie makers of Half Nelson! It is a shame because you want this show to be the place where films don't get the star struck, red carpet treatment but really there is no evidence that this is anything other than another place to get promotion. Like I say, a shame.
