Written and directed by Chris Rock, the world of Hollywood has a strong presence in Misty Green. The film focuses on a woman trying to get back on her feet after being previously famous. Rosalind Eleazar plays the character of Misty Greene who is a force of nature. Rock’s direction is both dramatic and comedic. Misty is surrounded by good and bad influence as she struggles to find her way back to fame. The script is well-written and the story mirrors reality.
The plot involves Misty Green trying to navigate her way back into Hollywood. Her experience is impacted by the irreparable consequences of past personal issues which makes it challenging to get doors to open again. The people in her life also cause her path to be difficult. Her filmmaker friend, Zach (Adam Driver), is addicted to drugs. Her brother, Jay Green (Daniel Kaluuya), is an ex-con. Misty’s best friend is Naomi (Anna Kendrick). Misty’s previous talent agent is Randy (Topher Grace). Rock also puts himself in the film, playing Jordan, Misty’s casting director. Some are committed to helping Misty, and some are not. The film is ultimately about the following Misty on her journey to a comeback which is filled with trials and errors.
Rock’s direction highlights how tumultuous it can be for people in show business. When striving for fame, there are always complicated dynamics in the industry, especially between those who are very famous versus barely famous . Misty is trying to achieve mid-level fame, primarily because her actions have landed her on a slippery slope. Regaining what she once had is not easy in Misty Green. The moving parts of her various conflicts makes this film riveting.
I appreciate Rock’s take on struggling in Hollywood. Even though the film has some flaws, there are reminders that connections in show business matter. Misty is still recognized, but her image and reputation are impacting her ability to succeed. She is trying to land a role that allows her to reboot. Given scenarios from her past, she has burned bridges which add to her uphill battle in Misty Green.
The film also explores the issue of keeping people close. I valued this conflict in the story because I have encountered similar situations in my life. I have found that there are times when people in our lives cause frustrations with the limits they want to impose on us. However, we may choose to tolerate these people to maintain positive relationships and shared connections. For Misty to make her comeback, she must keep in touch with her agent Randy. She must also keep her brother in close contact, so he does not stall her. These relationships become a bit much and lead to various disasters which halt a clear path to glory. Misty Green has some ugly moments where despair reigns.
There is one scene where Misty is trying to help her brother with his legal issues. There is another one where she is trying to hound her agent to help her land a part that does not feel below her. Neither of these situations represent easy processes. While she has fame and recognition, it is not on a level that makes her hirable in the industry. It doesn’t help that she often looks like she’s in the bag which she does about eighty percent of the film. She pops pills and snorts coke, believing those habits will help boost her positive high. Her bad habits only serve to make success harder to reach. Eleazar plays the role well and performs with realism. Still, the film is flawed due to a number of repetitive breaks. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Misty Green.
