An overconfident understudy lets a taste of fame go right to his head in this smart, sophisticated comedy about the highs and lows of show business.
“Places, Thank You Places” packs many advantages into its 21-minute runtime. A fantastic lead performance by Gary Richardson — who is also a writer on SNL — anchors the film, as he ironically demonstrates a rare charisma in a role about a man desperate for it.
There’s also great showbiz send-ups, including a fake musical, as well as fantastic camerawork that is both polished and agile, keeping viewers apace with a well-timed story and jokes.
But what really works is the character-based storytelling, charting the arc of a man whose hubris proves to be his downfall. It’s a tale as old as Greek theater, given fresh new life in this nimble production.
