Sidewalk 2010: The shutterbug wore tennis shoes
By ContributorMovie review: ‘Teenage Paparazzo’
sidewalk.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Jennifer West
Review at a glance: Fame has a dark side, even for a 14-year-old celebrity photographer, as seen in the documentary “Teenage Paparazzo.”
Austin Visschedyk, left, and Adrian Grenier,
in a scene from “Teenage Paparazzo.”
Austin Visschedyk appears to be a normal kid. His voice hasn’t cracked, and his face makes him look 10, even though he’s really 14. His whole life is still ahead of him.
But how many 14-year-old boys do you know who have a promising career in progress? And whose working hours seem like those of a bartender? Who travels the streets of Los Angeles by skateboard at 2 a.m. to chase celebrities in hopes of getting that perfect picture?
He’s the titular hero of the documentary, “Teenage Paparazzo,” which opens the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival on Friday.
Austin is a prodigy at photography, and life. Constantly on the phone with other Hollywood paparazzi, he always seeks out the next big celebrity sighting. His work has appeared in the biggest entertainment magazines and websites.
All was going as planned, until he met “Entourage” star Adrian Grenier, who points the camera at him in a reversal of roles.
Austin feels conflicted in his new relationship. Sometimes, he loves the attention and newfound fame. Other times, it becomes an annoyance and a hazard to his career. Grenier, both co-star and director of this film, becomes emotionally entangled with Austin while trying to open his eyes to other more fulfilling opportunities in life.
Is fame really all it’s cracked up to be? You be the judge. With cameos by Matt Damon, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg, the movie presents a different perspective of Hollywood in a compelling way.
“Teenage Paparazzo” is a fabulous film because it offers Hollywood glitz and glamor, along with resulting delusions. The appeal of fame should carry a warning: Be careful what you wish for.
Jennifer West (@thejenwestquest) won the Sidewalk Audience Choice award for her romantic comedy “Piece of Cake” in 2006, which she wrote and directed. She will manage the SideTalk panels at Sidewalk. And her blog, The Jen West Quest, has been featured in Health magazine.
“Teenage Paparazzo” will open the festival at 8 p.m. Friday at the Alabama Theatre.
Video: Interview with Adrian Grenier, director of “Teenage Paparazzo”
Video: “Teenage Paparazzo” trailer
Also:
- Official site | IMDB | Facebook | Twitter @TeenPaparazzo | Sidewalk page
- Reviews from the Hollywood Reporter | Pajiba | Cinematical | Eye Weekly | Straight | The Documentary Blog
- Additional information on Sidewalk opening night
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Action! Complete Sidewalk Festival coverage.
Friday, September 24, 2010, 6:23 am
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