The late Sage Stallone directs what is easily one of the most tragic short films I’ve seen in a very long time. It’s a merciless and unforgiving look at Hollywood and the sadness of growing old, and the effect it can have on someone who was once revered for their youth. “Vic” stars Clu Gulager as Vic Reeves, a classic film actor who is now committed to doing bit parts in indie films and gore flicks for a measly paycheck and relies on loans from producers to get him through the week. With only only his dog to care for, Vic searches all of Hollywood for companionship when he’s not looking for a job in the movies.
He’s a man living on his memories who relies on a young director allowing him a small role that could feed him. He’s not too hopeful about re-emerging as a performer anymore, as someone who wants a paycheck to get by and give him a reason to keep going. Director Stallone not only seems to have insight on the pains of growing old in the world, but growing old in a business that loses its demand for older actors almost rapidly. Gulager’s performance is absolutely mesmerizing, as he depicts Vic as somewhat of a shell anxiously trying to cling to hope that he’s going to re-claim his fame. Or perhaps his youth. His constant use of his old head shots as his mirror really signifies his desperation to turn back time, while Gulager is never afraid to take on the more demeaning aspects of the character.
He’s given a truly excellent monologue in the finale where Gulager is really able to steal the entire film away, and he commands the screen with such a sad individual. Director Stallone views Hollywood as utterly hopeless, thus Reeve’s world is painted as somewhat bleak. When he receives a phone call from a young filmmaker rather insistent on casting him in his latest film, Vic receives a light at the end of the tunnel. Ultimately though his need for the role may just become his own undoing. “Vic” is a moving and heartbreaking short film depicting a man at the end of his rope still very much in need of that dose of fame and admiration that he once received as a young actor in his prime. “Vic” is very much the “Death of a Salesman” of Hollywood, and one that deserves an audience.
The DVD from Grindhouse Releasing garners a slew of extras including detailed Cast & Crew Biographies, a montage of scenes from character Vic Reeves past films (of course scenes from Gulager’s past roles), and a special fourteen minute interview with star Clu Gulager.