Konterr Brilliant and touching

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

moonspinner55 John Byrum wrote and directed this brave but ultimately unsuccessful character piece about stag filmmakers in 1930s Hollywood. There are five characters: Richard Dreyfuss is the burnt-out director working out of his home, Veronica Cartwright is his heroin-shooting starlet, Steven Davies is the stud, Bob Hoskins (trying hard to disguise his British accent) is a drug-supplying producer and Jessica Harper is a would-be actress. No one involved is able (or interested) in capturing the era; Byrum thinks dropping names and details will help his scenario finds its bearings, but just having his characters chat about Clark Gable isn't enough. Filmed in 'real time'--on one set like a stage play--there's no hope in breaking free from these spitting, clawing people, while Dreyfuss's anachronistic charm goes wasted. *1/2 from ****

echokilo-2 Several reviewers below make valid criticisms, but miss the point(s). 1. The script has some clunkers, yes, but it also has some of the greatest comedy lines in history: "Curious, I don't remember putting a banana in my pocket" And some killers: "You didn't turn the camera on? What were you thinking?" and "To tell you the truth Miss Cake, I didn't have my brain on my mind." 2. It's not really X-rated, or it's not erotic enough. Well, duh. It's not supposed to be. It's a commentary on eroticism (among many other things); not erotic. But it would get an NC-17 for prevalent, casually displayed pubic hair, which is verboten today. 3. Everybody agrees that the actors are brilliant. Enough said. If you can find it (and I did used on Amazon 2/05), get it. 4. It's the OTHER great film about building the freeways in LA (jackhammering every time the door is opened). And Bob Hoskins is in both (Roger Rabbit). I wonder if Zemeckis thought of him for "Eddie" because he'd seen Inserts. 5. "It's sure good to know, your rope can still rise"

braitman "Inserts" has long been one of my favorite films, a comic-tragic meditation on art, sex, self-delusion, acting, and the magic of Hollywood. Its complex themes are woven through the "shocking" theme of pornography in the silent era. This film has always gotten a raw deal from critics. One way that would be helping in approaching this film is to think of it as a filmed drama. I actually think it would work much better on the stage. In fact, for years I've been trying to locate the script. (Anyone got any ideas on that?) If you've only seen it once, and didn't like it, see it again and think of some of what I've said. You'll find it bold, rich, provocative, and unique.

preppy-3 I saw this at an art cinema way back in the early 80s. Back then Richard Dreyfuss was a big star and it was a shock to see him in an X-rated film. This film was dull dull dull.It takes place in one room where the characters talk endlessly about...something or other--I was so bored I can't remember. With the exception of Bob Hoskins and Dreyfuss everybody is nude at one time or another...but it's not even remotely erotic. The one sex scene is obviously being faked. The cast all try their hardest but they can't pull this across. Somehow this still carries an X rating! Don't be fooled--this is R rated material all the wayBoring and stupid--a must miss. Purportedly the British version runs a half hour longer!!!!