pop writer
OKLAHOMA CITY ? Have you ever watched a movie and wondered who those people are that fill the background and help make our movie stars look so good?
Well, one of the most interesting films that was screened last month at the deadCenter film festival, appropriately called "Strictly Background," focused on those anonymous folks who work as background extras making a little over $50 a day.
Directed by Tulsa native Jason Connell, "Strictly Background" is actually a very touching and fascinating look into the lives of 10 of these actors, some of whom are literally struggling to get by but doing what they love.
While a number of the extras have amazing stories and talk about their on-camera experiences, it's Tafan Nieves, a charismatic Puerto Rican actor who wins you over. Nieves first appeared as an extra in the 1993 film "Coneheads" and went on to appear in "Primary Colors," " Inspector Gadget" and "Million Dollar Baby." Sure, he didn't have a major part and he's onscreen for only a matter of seconds. But for Nieves, landing spots as an extra, is his way of living out his dream of acting.
And in "Strictly Background," Connell gets Nieves at both his high points and when he's extremely low, to the point of quitting the Hollywood game.
One of the quirkier extras profiled in Connell's film is Louis McCarten. With his bug-eye glasses and his portly frame, McCarten has managed to land numerous spots as an extra since 1989. In "Apollo 13," McCarten says he was chosen because he looked like a scientist.
McCarten is shown in a video store picking up film after film that he's appeared in. Like the cult favorite "The Usual Suspects" to the oldster fave "Space Cowboys" where he's featured in the background at Mission Control. And later we see things don't work out for McCarten and due to low funds is forced to move into his friend's garage. Strangely, he seems happy and content despite his bad luck.
Other extras featured include Hawaiian Cary Mizobe, a martial arts expert who, he admits himself, has a resemblance to Pat Morita of "Karate Kid" fame.
Mizobe, who is interviewed in his kung fu getup, complete with samurai sword, talks about his experiences in many martial arts films including "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist." A very eloquent actor, Mizobe claims to be very satisfied getting work as an extra.
Husky actor Mark Nobel is shown in his messy home and showing Connell his "extra" clothes, which are old, musty, torn articles of clothing. In one scene, Nobel is shown wandering around Hollywood looking like a street person, but it's his way of convincing filmmakers that he'd be perfect as a bum or hobo in a film. In "The Longest Yard" he's shown in a straw hat in the audience.
And Jay Michaels, a Nashville musician, decided he'd had enough of Nashvegas and opted to try his hand at working as an extra. In 2005 he appeared in "Herbie: Fully Loaded."
And I have to say I admire these folks and understand where they're coming from. While living in Louisiana a few years ago, I tried out for extra roles in the family-horse drama "Dreamer" and the political film "All the King's Men." While I didn't make it on set, I had a friend who did, and he said it made for a long day, but it was worth it.
And for the good-natured folks in "Strictly Background," the smiles on their faces speak volumes. This work is worth it. Connell gets two thumbs up for "Strictly Background."
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