Internet Famous

Internet Famous is a 2016 indie mocumentary-style comedy film that delves into the phenomena of online viral fame in the age of social media, directed by Michael Gallagher. The film features an ensemble cast that includes popular internet personalities such as Steve Greene, Shane Dawson, and Wendy McColm.

The plot unfolds through a humorous portrayal of five timing-obsessed internet personalities. These virtual celebrities are setup with their own distinct personas and idiosyncrasies, and the film circles around them being paired together though circumstance. The protagonist of the film, Steve Greene, plays an anti-social, pet-obsessed, and socially awkward man who gains internet fame through his cat videos. Greene's character is both hilariously crass and undeniably relatable, falling into the stereotypical Internet persona who thrives online but struggles with real-world connections.

In a parody of reality TV style, Shane Dawson, well-known for his real-life online persona, emerges as a self-indulgent and somewhat deluded character named Tom, aiming for stardom via a pseudo-educational YouTube channel. Dawson's portrayal of an influencer spiralling out of control is the accurate mirror image of the delirium that can be associated with viral fame, making the irony stand out even more throughout the film.

Rounding out this eccentric quintet is Wendy McColm, a self-absorbed, vlogging millennial notorious for her temper tantrums when things take a turn south. McColm's character gets under the skin of the pretentious "micro-celebrity" culture, which can be at once endearing and irksome.

The film takes a satirical approach to the often self-infatuated nature of online celebrity culture, while also going beneath the surface to examine the pressures and challenges inherent to internet fame. Internet Famous doesn't pull any punches and is not afraid to provoke, satirize, or offend. It leverages these caricatures to comment on the growing culture of internet fame and the obsessive pursuit of online identity and validation.

The story follows these characters' journey to a fictional convention, similar to VidCon, where online influencers gather to meet fans, the obvious desperation to monetize their fame leading to comedic chaos. The convention experience, however melodramatic, provides a critique of the commercialization of art and personality in the digital age.

The direction of Michael Gallagher ingeniously adds layers to the narrative, often using visual and dialogical humor instead of merely relying on sitcom-style jokes. The writing is razor-sharp with memorable one-liners that are spread evenly throughout the film, keeping the audience engaged and laughing.

Internet Famous also shines a light on the darker side of online culture, addressing themes such as cyberbullying, objectification, jealousy, and the blurring of lines between the real and virtual world. More significantly, the film shows us how people's obsessions with online popularity can distort personal relationships and sense of self.

The film brilliantly uses the mocumentary format to dissect the ludicrousness of internet fame, showing the fun, absurdity, and sometimes the harsh reality that comes with it. It's an intelligent, albeit hysterically exaggerated, take on what being famous in the 21st-century digital age looks like.

Internet Famous, with its intense sarcasm and social commentary, presents a poignant, entertaining, and somewhat melancholic view of internet culture. The cast, many of whom are popular internet personalities themselves, crafts their characters with a mix of empathy and satirical bite that makes them both recognizable and entertainingly outrageous.

In conclusion, Internet Famous is a film that taps into the zeitgeist of the social media age, with its complex commentary on fame, identity, and validation in the digital world. It's a fun, witty, and often uncomfortably accurate portrayal of our time, one where online recognition is sought after with frenetic obsession. It exposes the surreal contrast between the glamorous veneer of internet stardom and the often humdrum reality behind it. Whether you're an avid social media user, an influencer, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, this film is sure to entertain and provoke thought in equal measure.