That Guy...Who Was In That Thing

That Guy...Who Was In That Thing is an intriguing 2012 documentary directed by Ian Roumain and Michael Schwartz, which takes a deep dive into the world of Hollywood, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and careers of 16 male character actors we all recognize but might find hard to name. Renowned actors featured in the film include Xander Berkeley (24, Terminator 2: Judgment Day), Bruce Davison (X-Men, Harry and the Hendersons) and Craig Fairbrass (Stargate SG-1, EastEnders).

The film showcases the struggles, successes, and real-life drama experienced by these veteran actors. Without fully stepping into the spotlight, they’ve still become memorable components of pop culture, their faces familiar from roles in influential TV shows and blockbuster films.

The opening of the movie engages the audience with a bit of playful guessing game as viewers are shown a montage of clips and stills from renowned movies and popular television shows, challenging them to recognize the actors. These are the men who keep Hollywood's dream factory running smoothly, the ones who continue to represent the quintessential, working-class actors in the industry.

Hollywood, an environment typically known for its glamor and fame, is revealed to be an uncertain terrain of constant rejection, typecasting, and financial instability. Through intimate interviews with these actors, the film unveils the precarious path of a Hollywood staple — the 'That Guy' actor.

Xander Berkeley, Bruce Davison, and Craig Fairbrass are some of the thespians thrown into the spotlight in this movie. Berkeley, known for his roles in hit TV shows like 24 and Nikita, reveals his struggle with the transience of being a recognisable but nameless figure in the industry. Bruce Davison, an Academy Award nominee, opens up about the vicissitudes of Hollywood and the perpetual hustle and grind that actors endure. Craig Fairbrass, a British actor best known for his characters in EastEnders and Stargate SG-1, brings a cross-cultural perspective, discussing the differences between Hollywood and the UK's entertainment scenes.

Moreover, the film explores the relationships these actors have with their craft, managing family life, handling the financial aspects of the industry, and dealing with near-constant competition and rejection. There is a raw honesty as they discuss the toll that their profession can take on personal relationships, and the price they have been willing to pay for their careers. The documentary does a brilliant job of humanising these actors and gives them credit for their substantial, yet unnamed roles in Hollywood.

That Guy...Who Was In That Thing is also an exploration of the nature of fame in the film and television industry. It examines how these actors have achieved a level of recognisability while remaining just shy of the stardom afforded to leading actors. In an industry where recognition is often equated with success, the film poses some thought-provoking questions about the disparity between fame and talent.

Despite its deep explorations, That Guy...Who Was In That Thing never loses sight of the fact that its subjects are human. It’s heartwarming to see the camaraderie and shared experiences between these actors - both recognisable and unrecognisable, famous and not-so-famous, successful and almost-there.

Technical aspects of the film are well-executed, with clear, intimate cinematography and cleverly employed clips to illustrate stories or highlight significant roles from the actors' past body of work. The editing is seamless, with the film flowing smoothly from one revealing interview to another, with interspersed clips that keep the audience engaged and creating an engrossing narrative arc.

In summary, That Guy...Who Was In That Thing provides a rare and unique insight into the lives of Hollywood's unsung heroes, the character actors whom we instantly recognise but can't quite place their names. It's a must-watch for anybody interested in the acting profession or the movie industry in general, serving as a reminder that fame and success are often very different things. This documentary definitely reaffirms the respect these actors deserve for their hard work and dedication to their craft.