The Primary Instinct (2015)
Actor Stephen Tobolowsky has acted in over 200 TV shows and films over the past 40 years, possessing one of the most dazzlingly diverse filmographies on the planet. But even more compelling than the stories he's been apart of onscreen are those he tells offscreen. In 'The Primary Instinct,' Stephen plays himself and uses the art of storytelling to take the audience through a riveting and moving journey about life, love, and Hollywood. Along the way, he just may answer one of the questions that's dogged humanity since the beginning of time: Why do we tell stories in the first place?
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Crappy film
Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
This is my first review, and I'm doing it because Dave Chen said I should do so on the /filmcast. This is a wonderful movie, compelling and unexpectedly emotional. Stephen Tobolowsky is a wonderful storyteller who weaves his stories together masterfully, who left me smiling, laughing and even made me tear up just a little. In terms of direction, there isn't that much, intro and conclusion aside (these are, however, beautifully lit and shot). Chen simply steps aside and lets Tobolowsky have the stage, which, really, is the best choice he could've made. I recommend this movie (and it's only 73 minutes short!) to anyone who enjoys hearing good stories, well told, by a wonderful, philosophical and soulful storyteller.
Tobolowsky really has a way with words and with telling a story. Sometimes quite funny, but at times very moving, Tobolowsky and first time director David Chen give us a peak into the character actor's thoughts about why we tell stories and into his own life. And it is quite something. Reflections on Hollywood, fame, family, getting older, loss and love are interwoven in a seamless fashion. It might no be a film like the ones most people watch on a regular basis. But in this case that's most certainly a credit.Anyone worrying it might be boring just watching Tobolowsky doing a show, can rest assured: this is a quite a spellbinding film.
Awful film a real waste of your time. I sat down and watched this trash with high hopes given my general fondness for the Tobe. I am trying to find something nice to say about it but I cannot. I have liked the Tobe in pretty much everything he has done but the direction and general organization of this film is so bad it works against the general likability of the star. I have not heard of Mr Chen before but I have to ask if this chap has any idea what he was doing before he shat this abomination out. The editing in particular is poor and the entire affair lacks any style or indeed actual flair. It may well be the worst documentary I have ever seen bar none. Avoid at all costs.