Mister America

Mister America is a captivating 2019 pseudo-documentary feature film that intertwines dark comedy, drama, and political satire in a narrative that compels the viewer to question the authentic nature of the events unfolding on screen. Whether or not it succeeds is up to the viewer. The film adds another layer to the sprawling "On Cinema" universe, an alternate reality project spanning nearly a decade. The project initially presented as a podcast and later became an online television review show, which spawned an insular universe that got about as strange as possible before the release of Mister America.

Directed by Eric Notarnicola, Mister America stars the comedic talent of Tim Heidecker who plays an exaggerated version of himself, alongside Gregg Turkington and Terri Parks. It is a masterwork of meta-filmmaking that requires the viewer to have some previous knowledge of the characters' histories and their shared comedy universe—primarily, the web series "On Cinema at the Cinema"— to fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot.

In the film, Heidecker, best known for his work on the Comedy Central sketch show "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" characterizes a man sinking deeper into delusion as he mounts a longshot political campaign for the office of San Bernardino County, California district attorney - despite having no experience, qualifications, or policy proposals.

As the film unfolds, Heidecker furthers a unique brand of absurdist comedy and satire that has come to characterise many of his performances. His portrayal of a man in over his head, making outrageous claims and peddling wild conspiracy theories to garner support, promises to amuse, unsettle, and provoke thought - often simultaneously.

Opposite Heidecker, Gregg Turkington, also known as his alter ego Neil Hamburger, resumes his role as a more grounded, yet personally flawed critic of Heidecker's character. Turkington's dedication to his craft and arguably pedantic manner provides an intriguing contrast to Heidecker's wild, impulsive, and often ignorant character. The dynamic between the two forms one of the film's core themes— a reflection of their long-standing comedic 'rivalry' that fans of "On Cinema at the Cinema" will recognize and new viewers will come to appreciate.

Terri Parks, another significant character in the film, takes on the role of Toni Newman – Heidecker's campaign manager. She perfectly portrays an enthusiastic, naive optimist convinced of her boss’s competence and chances of prevailing in the election. Her unfaltering belief in Heidecker's capabilities, despite the evidence to the contrary, is both comical and poignant, raising questions about the power of loyalty and belief within politics.

Mister America is, in essence, a love letter written to the very particular brand of conspiracy-fuelled, weaponized ignorance that has taken root in certain corners of American political life. The film astutely satirizes the American political landscape while also doubling as an exploration of ego and the lengths people will go to maintain their own self-image.

Linear, traditional storytelling takes a backseat in favor of a procedural, cinema vérité influenced structure which also provides an opportunity to satirize the documentary style of filmmaking. Mister America is a film at ease with switching registers from the overtly funny to the subtly absurd, providing commentary through an unusual form of deadpan humor that largely requires the viewer to engage with the material on a deeper level.

Largely viewed as an extension to its web series, Mister America is rooted deeply in the traditions of mockumentary. With improvisational acting and pertinent satire element, it reflects the ideological landscape of America. Viewers familiar with Heidecker and Turkington's previous work will find it particularly enjoyable, but first-time viewers will still enjoy the humor, the character development, and the pointed political commentary. This movie is a depiction of American life staged with precision, wit in the midst of a 'real' political campaign that blurs lines between fiction and reality.