Editors Note: This was published earlier, but had to be taken down due to a news embargo.
In a World…, Independent Comedy, 2013
Plot: ‘In a World’ is a story about a voice coach following in her father’s footsteps and trying to make it in the male-dominated voice-over industry.
Thoughts: Produced, written, and directed by Lake Bell, this film was professionally done while still maintaining an “independent” feel. It was honest and relatable, allowing the audience to feel as if it was living in the world alongside Carol.
By far, the most impressive aspect of In a World was the acting. The talented assortment of characters didn’t overact by trying to do too much on a film that’s strong point was subtlety. There was a since of balance and a depth to the various relationships between characters, created through solid writing.
I was most impressed with Rob Corddry, who really showed off his range as an actor. I know he wasn’t the best in Hot Tub Time Machine, so it was nice seeing him bounce back, hopefully there will be more opportunities for us to see him in action.
Demetri Martin also played a genuine love interest for Carol, his performance was memorable, though every time I saw him on screen, I couldn’t help but think that Jason Schwartzman would have been perfect for the role (I guess Martin will start taking all of Schwartzman’s roles that he’s too old to do now).
Lake Bell as Carol was both real and funny. She portrayed the increasingly popular character of a woman who is a balanced combination of tough, goofy, and loving, perfectly. Her sometimes crude humor, that would be unflattering said by someone else, was endearing through her interpretation.
The overtone of the movie covers the often ignored topic of gender and sex inequalities. The realistic setting of men having control over an industry provides a look into our reality. As one who has seen this type of thing happen firsthand, Bell understood and translated the clique-ness of (in this case) the voice over market.
Larger themes at play include trust and honesty in relationships: the closeness between Carol and Dani, the distance between the sisters and their father and also their father’s girlfriend.
***Possible Spoiler: The one issue I take with one of the subplots is the scene in which Moe (Corddry) allows a woman to use his shower. I felt that this scene seemed a little pointless given the entire context of the film. I know that it was designed for the audience to feel like he would entertain an attractive woman, despite his obvious marriage, but the problem I have is that it never came to a head (no pun intended). The situation never gets exposed, he doesn’t admit his failing (or even show any odd feeling about the situation). I think that this scene could have been condensed to him checking someone out in passing and still have been just as effective. End of Spoiler***
There was a reason why this movie won the award for best screenplay at Sundance, the writing was clever and well thought-out. It reminded me more of a TV show rather than a movie and I think that that was a good thing. Though Bell stated the improvisations were a luxury that the production didn’t have time for, it felt like many of the comedians still maintained that style of improv humor.
One of the problems with the script was that it was too funny. The audience got accustomed to joke after joke that the first time something serious happened, everyone laughed before realizing that the scene wasn’t meant to be funny.
I also felt that the jabs taken at the women with high voices undermined the feminist message. A major facet point of feminism is that everyone has a right to be portrayed by their own standards. The entire joke of “sexy baby” voice counteracts that by stating that a woman talks a certain way rather than saying a woman can talk anyway she wants. The theater laughed, but had this been a room full of any ethnic group who didn’t speak in an “appropriate” way, this joke would have swiftly turned offensive.
It was also sad to see another white-washed cast. There was little diversity aside from Eva Longoria and one of the studio staff members. Independent movies are where we should take risks, but I’m saddened none were taken in this area (even though it was a low risk).
In a World… features a great cast, awesome story, and some spectacular voices. Lake Bell deserves a commendation for her first film being such a success and providing a great example of female success in the film/tv industry.
3.9/5
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