The Definition of Insanity

The Definition of Insanity is a fake documentary revolving around struggling actor Robert Margolis’ ongoing efforts at carving out a career for himself within New York City’s cut-throat acting scene, with the movie detailing the character’s day-to-day exploits in both his personal and professional endeavors (eg his inability to provide for his family is causing friction with his otherwise patient wife). Though Margolis effectively cultivates a vibe of palpable authenticity, The Definition of Insanity remains an unusually tedious experience for the majority of its running time – as the filmmaker, along with cowriter and codirector Frank Matter, proves unable to entirely transform the protagonist into a wholeheartedly compelling figure. It’s consequently not surprising to note that one’s efforts at working up any interest or enthusiasm in Robert’s various predicaments fall flat on an all-too-consistent basis, with the character’s obnoxious and sporadically pretentious demeanor resulting in an atmosphere of aggressive pointlessness that’s nothing short of disastrous. Margolis and Matter’s erratic use of the documentary format (eg Margolis’ wife (Kelli Barnett’s Sally) goes from kicking the camera out of her apartment to allowing it in her bed within minutes) exacerbates the movie’s myriad of problems, and although the filmmakers infuse the proceedings with some dramatic depth towards the end, The Definition of Insanity ultimately comes off as a tiresome, periodically interminable piece of work that might, admittedly, have a more positive impact on those viewers that are able to relate to the central character’s plight (ie struggling actors).

* out of ****