Rented Lips

Rented Lips is a satiric comedy directed by Robert Downey Sr., released in 1987. Its star cast features Martin Mull, Dick Shawn, and Jennifer Tilly, among others. The movie revolves around the dry humor but insightful commentary on the pretentious nature of Hollywood and the film industry as a whole.

Martin Mull plays the role of Arthur Brightling, a depressed and down-on-his-luck filmmaker. Arthur possesses a burning passion for making meaningful, poignant documentaries that inspire change. He dreams of bringing his vision for a film about America's Dust Bowl era to life. But at a time when decadence and superficiality dominate Hollywood, his artistic aspirations aren't met with the enthusiasm he hopes for.

On the flip side of Hollywood is Dick Shawn's character, the uncouth and flamboyant producer, Monty. Monty is the epitome of Hollywood excess, thriving on the production of adult films and indulging in every kind of hedonistic behaviour. Despite their strikingly different perspectives, Arthur and Monty's paths cross in the most unexpected of ways and lead to hilarious adventures and mishaps, a hallmark of the movie.

Jennifer Tilly plays the role of a sweet but naive actress, Mona Lisa, who finds herself in the midst of this movie-making chaos. Tilly's performance brings an innocent charm to the film that starkly contrasts with the otherwise cynical portrayal of Hollywood.

A significant part of the movie revolves around Arthur's desperate attempt to secure funding for his dream project. Eventually, he gets an unconventional offer from Monty - to direct an adult movie. It's an offer that conflicts directly with his artistic integrity, yet it might be the only way he can fund his dream project. So, as Arthur hesitantly accepts this offer, audiences are treated to numerous comedic scenes, showing Arthur grappling with his new assignment, far removed from the 'meaningful cinema' he had envisioned himself creating.

Despite the offer's appalling nature, Arthur clings to his dreams, trying just as hard to keep his enthusiasm alive. In this journey, Mull's portrayal excellently brings about the character's frustrations and hard-pressed compromise he lives with, adding depth to the otherwise comedic spectacle.

As downright ludicrous, hilarious, and often absurd the situations get, Rented Lips never fails to deliver a sharp critique of the entertainment industry's sometimes manipulative and exploitative aspects. At its heart, Rented Lips presents a clash between personal ethics and the desperate need for artistic expression.

The film explores the theme of selling out one's principles for success- an often-true phenomenon in the cinematic world, yet it does so in a lighthearted, humorous way. Loaded with slapstick comedy and witty dialogues, Rented Lips delivers its message through giggles, making the viewing experience an enjoyable ride for the audience.

Rented Lips often breaches into the realm of the outrageous, with its surreal and peculiar narrative. In classic Downey Sr. style, Rented Lips plays with the boundaries of satire and reality. The movie includes many characteristically outlandish scenes and instances that provide an unfiltered look into the world of film-making, reminding us, albeit playfully, of the industry's darker and excessive side.

Drawing upon the frequent use of hilarious and absurd analogies, Downey Sr. efficiently directs the film to entertain and enlighten viewers about the inner workings of Hollywood – strike a balance between critical commentary and light-hearted humor.

Despite being made over three decades ago, Rented Lips still manages to hit home with its clever, satirical take on the surreal world of film-making and Hollywood. It is a mirror to the film industry with its eccentricities, excesses, and exploration of the age-old dilemma between artistic integrity and commercial success.

In conclusion, Rented Lips is a classic satirical comedy that indulges in the quirky, almost surreal aspects of Hollywood. Bolstered by exciting performances, sharp-witted dialogues, and Downey Sr.'s signature direction style, the movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking a farcical yet insightful portrayal of the film industry. The movie, as an engaging satire on Hollywood, is more than just a comedy. Rented Lips serves as a time-capsule that holds the essence of Hollywood of the past while dishing out time-relevant wisecracks, making it a classic in its right, a comedy that is as hilarious as it is thought-provoking.