Self-congratulatory dross

Rating: 1/10 (2 March 2015)

This movie is essentially Hollywood giving itself one big pat on the back. Too bad they had to make viewers sit through two hours of clichéd, boring, predictable drudgery to make their point. This is basically the story of a Hollywood actor who is perceived to be the "shallow celebrity" type proving himself to be a true stage artiste by giving up everything and fully committing himself to his "craft." The movie's filled with self- referential, unfunny inside jokes about the film industry. The one redeeming aspect was Edward Norton, who was, as usual, excellent. The fact that this won "Best Picture" only shows how pathetically desperate for validation the Hollywood elites are. Completely forgettable.