Directed by: Tony Zierra
Starring: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe, Greg Fawcett and Tony Zierra
Distributed by: MBB Group
MPAA Rating: Not Rating
Release Date: July 25, 2011
Running Time: 102 minutes
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This documentary is a real honest portrayal of what it takes it make it big in Hollywood. If you are able to get your big break, one minute you are in and one minute you are out. I was aware of all these actors documented in the film prior to watching but, besides Wes Bentley, was unaware of their struggle. Although at times a little crude and raw, this is just such a great inside look into these actors road to success or in some cases lack their of.
“My Big Break” was filmed over 10 years and follows five roommates who are trying to make it big in Hollywood: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Greg Fawcett. With Wes Bentley, it documents his success with “American Beauty”, with Chad Lindberg, it follows his success with “October Sky”, Brad Rowe, with his indie hit “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss” and Greg Fawcett, who was the least lucky in the group. It also focuses on Tony Zierra road to Hollywood himself and his work documenting his roommates over these years.
It is rare for a film to really show this side of an actor’s struggle. It is sometimes a little hard to watch and depressing but it is more importantly REAL. For many struggling actors, the road is not always paparazzi and parties. Overall, this is definitely one-of-a-kind and worth watching if not only to support these actors and their journey. The DVD does not include special features but they are available on the film’s website mybigbreakmovie.com. I will support this decision, especially since this was self-released with the assistance of no major studio.
