Inserts (1974)

Directed by John Byrum
My rating: 3.5 stars out of 4
IMDb
(DVD, MGM)

Essentially a filmed play that takes place on one set: the mansion of a Hollywood director in the early 1930s. Richard Dreyfuss is the former "Boy Wonder", afraid to leave the comfort of his house or bottle, he's constantly downing rum. He's got a small film set in a corner of his living room, a bed, on which he makes silent "stag" films. In this setting, director/writer John Byrum explores the relationship between the director and his actresses. Veronica Cartwright is a lightweight and will do anything he asks of her, as long as she gets her junk. At one point she tries to seduce him, but he is unable to rise to the occasion. She goes upstairs for a fix, but accidentally overdoses. In walks producer Bob Hoskins and his girlfriend the lovely Jessica Harper. Hoskins takes up the task of disposing of the body, leaving Dreyfuss alone with Harper. She is much different than Cartwright, intelligent, independent, but with an overriding desire to make it in the movies. The interplay between the two is fascinating, leading to an unexpected role reversal. A unique film with many insights into the facade of Hollywood and the relationship between an artist and his model.