Trust Us This is All Made Up

Trust Us, This is All Made Up (2009) is an engaging documentary that peels back the curtain on the world of unscripted comedy and improvisational theater. Directed by Alex Karpovsky, the film introduces the audience to the ingenious world of T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi, two Chicago-based improv artists widely revered as the "masters of improvisation." T.J (as Thomas James) and David are known for their long-form, two-man improv show, TJ & Dave, where they create full-length plays directly in front of the audience, with neither pre-planning nor script.

The film tells the story of an unconventional form of entertainment—improvisational theatre, and two men who have dedicated their lives to it. It leads you through the creative process, starting with the conception and the subsequent evolution of their performances. It examines the duo's chemistry, the creative dynamic between them, and how their distinct personalities mesh to create such intriguing performances. This is made possible through intimate conversations with Jagodowski and Pasquesi, spliced between footage of their mesmerizing performances and the reactions of captivated audiences.

Trust Us, This is All Made Up takes a deep dive into the lives of these two artists before, during, and after a performance, capturing their contemplative conversations and simple rituals. We see them walking through the streets of Chicago, musing about mundane aspects of life, pondering existential questions, and absorbing the world around them before converging on the stage. There's a magical transformation happening there – everyday events, observations, and chatter get synthesized, turning into compelling narratives and larger-than-life characters on stage. No two shows are exactly the same – an ongoing testament to the duo's fluid creativity and the spontaneous nature of their art.

But the documentary isn't just about their performances. It explores the philosophy underlying their craft, providing an insight into the central tenets of improvisation: spontaneity, trust, collaboration, and the courage to fail. Jagodowski and Pasquesi stress listening over speaking, reacting over planning, and building on the offerings of each other to weave incredible stories on stage. Their shared mantra is that the key to improv is not finding the 'funny' but rather discovering the truth in the moment. Moreover, it explores the humility and vulnerability that the art of improv requires.

Interspersed throughout the film are moments of profound wisdom that both comedy aficionados and casual viewers alike will appreciate. The doc dives deep into T.J. and David's mental processes, revealing an impressive depth of thought. This relentless deconstruction of their craft becomes a metaphor for understanding human relationships and complexities, pushing the boundaries of the film beyond its primary source material.

The viewer is left with a solid sense of the incredible minds and faith that flow into the creation of an improvised show. Unlike many other documentaries about comedy, Trust Us, This is All Made Up doesn't merely try to make the audience laugh - rather, it invites us into a unique cerebral and emotive journey delivering an inspirational message about creativity—an ode to the unpredictable, ephemeral, and beautiful nature of improvised performance and life itself.

In essence, Trust Us, This is All Made Up is an intimate and insightful exploration of a unique, unrecognized art form presented by two of its most experienced and committed practitioners. It's about capturing the chemistry of an extraordinary comedic partnership and basking in the magic that unfolds when two geniuses display their craft. The film serves as a beautiful tribute to the art of improvisation, casting light on its often misunderstood subtleties and complexities while presenting an inspiring vision of unbridled creativity.