Matthew Glaser

Matthew Glaser, the name probably rings a bell if you’re into offbeat indie films, has his fingerprints all over "Hollywood Mouth 2" (2014). The movie’s not your typical Hollywood glitz-and-glamor walkthrough. It’s more like taking a stroll through the weird little side streets, catching bits of gossip and oddball stories that never make it into the tabloids. Glaser isn’t afraid to poke fun at the madness of LA, but there’s a kind of affection in the way he does it. You get this parade of wannabes, has-beens, and folks who never even got their fifteen minutes, all mashed together in a city that chews people up and spits them out, smiling. There’s a raw, almost guerilla filmmaking vibe to the whole thing—like Glaser just grabbed a camera and started rolling, letting real life leak into the frame. Conversations don’t feel scripted. Some of it’s hilarious, some of it’s a little sad, and sometimes you just want to look away, but can’t. He shines a light on the dreams and delusions floating around Hollywood, but instead of mocking, he sort of gives everyone their moment in the sun, no matter how weird or cringey it might be. Honestly, if you’ve ever wondered what Hollywood looks like when you peel back the plastic surface, this film’s got you covered. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s got a weird sense of humor that sticks with you. Glaser’s style isn’t for everyone, but if you like your movies a little rough around the edges, "Hollywood Mouth 2" delivers.