Real Life
Director: Albert Brooks
Actors: Dick Haynes, Albert Brooks, Matthew Tobin
PlotA self-absorbed filmmaker embarks on an ambitious project to revolutionize the documentary genre by capturing the real, unfiltered life of an average American family. He selects a seemingly ordinary household in Phoenix, Arizona, comprised of a veterinarian, his wife, and their two children. Armed with a highly advanced, obtrusive camera system, he aims to document their every action and conversation. Expecting raw authenticity, the filmmaker finds that his constant presence and intrusive equipment gradually start to influence the family's behavior, creating an atmosphere of exaggerated, self-conscious performances rather than genuine moments.
As days turn into weeks, the imposed scrutiny from the ever-present cameras begins to strain familial relationships. The intended pure observation morphs into a disruptive force, leading the family members to question their interactions and decisions. The filmmaker's increasing obsession with obtaining groundbreaking content only exacerbates the situation. The once-cohesive unit starts showing cracks, both emotionally and psychologically, as they struggle to reconcile their real selves with the projected personas dictated by the omnipresent lenses. This experiment in "real life" slowly unravels into a chaos reminiscent of a scripted drama, highlighting the paradox of capturing true reality under artificial observation.
Writers: Monica Mcgowan Johnson, Harry Shearer, Albert Brooks
Release Date: 23 Mar 1979
Runtime: 99 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Albert Brooks’ 'Real Life' is an eerily prescient satire on reality TV, now presented in a fabulous 4K restoration by Criterion with high-quality video, audio, and valuable extras.
Read our review of Real Life 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray to find out more