Casting

A washed-up Hollywood actor, desperate for a comeback, tries to exploit his fame by creating a reality show where he personally auditions and selects young actresses for his new film. His motivations become increasingly questionable as he focuses on a talented but naive aspiring actress. The film explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the dark side of the entertainment industry.

Casting received a largely negative reception from critics, with many finding its premise uncomfortable and its execution flawed. While some performances were noted, the overall consensus pointed to a weak script and a disturbing narrative that failed to land effectively.

• The film's exploration of Hollywood's casting couch culture is heavy-handed and lacks subtlety.

• Richard Dreyfuss's performance is generally seen as the film's strongest element, though not enough to save it.

• Many critics found the narrative to be predictable and ultimately unsatisfying.

Google audience: Google users had mixed reactions, with a slight majority finding the film to be mediocre. While some appreciated the attempt to tackle a sensitive subject and Dreyfuss's acting, many felt the movie was uncomfortable to watch and poorly developed.

Rob Reiner initially conceived of the film as a dark comedy but shifted towards a more dramatic tone during production, which some critics felt contributed to its unevenness.