I saw this when it was in New York - and was completely surprised by the experience. I was intrigued by the idea of a movie all about auditions and acting, but didn't really know what to expect. The whole film is made from audition tapes - actresses who are auditioning for parts in a movie. I wondered how this could be pieced together to make a whole film. It's not a 'behind the scenes' kind of movie - you don't see the director narrowing his choices and making final picks (like some reality show) - it's more about watching the process of the casting unfold. And it unfolds in a beautiful way.
The first part of the film has a kaleidoscopic flurry of images of many actresses, catching you by surprise; then you begin to settle down and spend more time with individual people. It's amazing how much detail you can pick up from just watching them coming into this room to audition - their quirks and ticks and how they're feeling - anxious, or excited, or confident, or detached. You see a whole range of personalities and responses. At times it's wonderfully entertaining, then moving and sad. You don't know what's coming next. And you have access to all of this like a fly on the wall.
There are a couple of great scenes where you get two actresses acting the same material - showing the different approaches that can be taken, with no 'right or wrong,' just the incredible variety of choices that exist. And how do you choose the ONE person to play the part?
Clearly there was a huge amount of material to choose from - the number of actresses in the film is overwhelming. But you do get to know certain women really well, getting in touch with who they are as people. The whole story (although there isn't really a 'storyline') is fascinating to watch. All the pieces feel like they've been carefully chosen to fit together, like a jigsaw puzzle.
