DVD Corner

Inserts Blu-ray Review

“Inserts” is a divisive 70’s film. 

Written and directed by John Byrum (best known for “The Razor’s Edge”), “Inserts” is set in Hollywood in the 1930’s. There is only a single location for the duration of the film- the mansion of a director merely known as Boy Wonder. In the silent era he was a famed director. Once the talkies came around, the creative filmmaker fell on hard times and now makes silent stag films out of his mansion (the only house left on his street that is becoming a freeway. The Boy Wonder is also an impotent, agoraphobic, alcoholic loner. The 2 stars of his stag film in production are a drug addicted waitress and former silent movie actress (Harlene) and a mortician and wannabe actor (Rex). To say the production goes south is an understatement as someone winds up dead. Wanting to shoot more footage to try and salvage the film, Boy Wonder shoots inserts with the girlfriend (Cathy) of the producer (Big Mac). The two form an unexpected connection…at least that’s what Boy Wonder thinks. While all of this is going on, a then no name actor (Clark Gable) is trying to get in touch with Boy Wonder to direct a project. He represents a new hope for Boy Wonder, but will he even get in touch with Clark?

1975’s “Insert” is a drama-comedy that garnered attention for its NC-17 rating. The project was a particularly bold move for Richard Dreyfuss who was arguably one of the hottest actors of the era. Truthfully, the movie isn’t as scandalous as its rating suggests. It feels more like an overwritten, talky stage play than anything. Unsurprisingly, it even became a stage play several years later. The art film channels “Sunset Boulevard” and “Singin’ In The Rain” with the silent to talkie transition struggles, but it’s also about stardom, failure, the past, and fantasy. For as much that is said in this John Byrum film, it’s not as deep as it thinks it is. It’s another broken dreams Hollywood tale mixed with an attempt to peek behind the curtain at the making of an early pornographic film. There’s a reason why it’s become fairly obscure over the years.

Going back to Dreyfuss, there’s no denying the actor’s charisma and talent, but he seems a bit miscast here. It never felt like he was in the 1930’s. It felt like he was acting in a 70’s movie. Everyone else here is on point. Jessica Harper and Veronica Cartwright give the film’s best performances as Harlene and Cathy. They really commit to the roles and seem fearless in the face of more challenging material. Stephen Davies and Bob Hoskins shine in their respective roles.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a quality hi-def print that maintains the grain. It’s not perfect though as there are noticeable print scratches and defects. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 2.0 track is adequate, but there is audible white noise.

No extras.

March 18, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 70's Movie, Bob Hoskins, Inserts Blu-ray Review, Jessica Harper, Richard Dreyfuss, Veronica Cartwright