Synopsis: In an attempt to sign a Hollywood starlet, struggling talent agent and former child star Howard Holloway must contend with her volatile father, a scheming long-time rival, and a producer and casting director who despise him.

 

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Trust Me, which is currently available on DVD and VOD is a film with a lot of heart. Written, directed, produced, and starring Clark Gregg of Marvel fame one can clearly see that this film is Gregg’s personal project. A down on his luck Hollywood agent named Howard stumbles across a young, misguided, talented actress named Lydia. Howard immediately recognizes the raw talent Lydia possesses. He soon discovers that everyone in Lydia’s life has let her down. She has a mother who ran off with her man, a father who is a drunk, and nobody else to turn to. Howard who is also struggling with deep rooted issues himself but decides to not only represent Lydia as her agent, but to take on the responsibility of a parental guardian figure.

 

As mentioned above this film has a lot of heart but on the surface it only seems like a film about a Hollywood agent down on his luck and an inexperienced actress. This isn’t accurate. While the plot identifies with that initial aspect of the story it puts out is about relationships and the inner struggles that people deal with on a daily basis. Gregg penned an interesting perspective on the film. By using Hollywood and show-business as the backdrop for the film, you get to see the glamorous and dark side of the film industry. While the consumer-fans envy and fantasize about the glitz and glamor that is Hollywood, there is a sad dark side that many are unaware of. The dark side of the industry isn’t showcased enough in films. This film showcases the good and the bad side of the business.

 

 

Not only is this film written smartly but the actor performances are very impressive as well. The film has a cast loaded with prominent names and shows that Clark Gregg did a really good job using his connections to get his colleagues to join in on this project. While Gregg and Saxon Sharbino who plays Lydia are the leads in the film, the supporting cast is outstanding. Amanda Peet stars as the neighbor and love interest for Gregg’s character. Amanda Peet is her usual charming self, she plays a more dramatic role that we are usually accustomed to seeing her in. Sam Rockwell plays the rival arrogant agent Aldo. This must have been a fun, playful role for Rockewell to take up on. Felicity Huffman plays a vindictive producer that tries to nab Lydia for her film, while eliminating Howard from the equation. Other names that make cameos int he film are William H. Macy, Allison Janney, and Molly Shannon.

 

 

The main characters in the film are Howard, Lydia, and her father Ray who is played by the talented Paul Sparks. These three carry the film. They are also the characters that are most developed and complex. Paul Sparks does a great job portraying the drunk, greedy father of Lydia. What makes the character different than just being a typical drunk is that Paul brings so much range to his character. Ray has so many layers to him that are hidden away and slowly get exposed throughout the film. Saxon Sharbino is big name in the making. She brings a lot of emotion to her role. She seems like a young actress that’s very seasoned and aware. Clark Gregg is so grounded in his role of Howard. That’s a great skill to have translate to on screen. His character is determined, clever, sincere, and compassionate. Something is to be said about an actor who can write, direct, and star in a film. Not only does that amount to strenuous amount of work, but also dedication and passion for the project. I wish that Clark Gregg can really be seen more for the tremendous talent that he is. A very capable lead actor if given the proper chance.

 

Trust Me caught me by surprise. A well written, well acted film that is layered with messages. Whether you are a young actor or someone that is dealing with inner struggles, there is something to take away from this film. By no means is this film perfect though. There are flaws. I was a bit turned off with some of the silly occurrences such as a huge pair of creepy gargoyle-like wings popping out of Howard’s back? Wasn’t necessary. For a dramatic comedy that the film treats itself as, the cartoony Sci-Fi tidbits like that aren’t necessary at all. There are also points that the film feels a bit like a parody. The scenes in the casting offices are over-dramatized. When it boils down to it, it’s a film worth checking out and the themes it presents are real. For someone who is mostly credited as a professional actor, Gregg makes a great first impression as a writer and director. A future post-acting career writer or director in the making.

 

 

Trust Me- 7 out of 10

A film that exhibits the good and the bad of Hollywood