Film school grad Nick Chapman (Kevin Bacon) thought his career was made after his award winning short film, but discovered Hollywood wasn't as easy as it seems.

Greenlit by David Puttnam of Columbia Pictures, the president was ousted two weeks after production began, and the subsequent regime at the studio, according to Guest, were unable to figure out what could be done with the film as many executives at the studio didn't like the film because they felt like they were being brutally satirized in it. Columbia quietly gave The Big Picture a limited theatrical release (despite opening to positive reviews) before sending it to video.

With all the names attached o this film, the clever writing and positive message, it is amazing this one slipped under the radar. It might satirize Hollywood, but by no means do I feel it insults it or calls out anyone in particular (though, who knows what the writer had in mind).

I especially enjoyed the role played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. She may be one of the best actresses of modern times, no one seems to recognize it. Between "Fast Times" (1982) and "Hateful Eight" (2015),no one seems to have noticed her. And why not? She was dynamite in so many things, and this film is the evidence.

In between playing a heavy metal rocker and six-fingered man, and then making a series of mockumentaries, Christopher Guest directed a narrative movie. "The Big Picture" stars Kevin Bacon as a budding director who discovers that his dreams of stardom don't come as easily as he expected, least of all because of interference in his planned movie.

Christopher Guest revisited the topic of movie production in 2006's "For Your Consideration" (one of the mockumentaries). That one focused more on the cast members' egos. Both movies co-star his Spinal Tap bandmate Michael McKean (absent here is Harry Shearer). In both cases - and probably with every one of his movies - there's a great time to be had by everyone. You're sure to like this movie.

Also starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, J. T. Walsh, Teri Hatcher, and a whole bunch of people in brief appearances.

I've watched this many times, and feel that this ranks with the best work of Christopher Guest. Kevin Bacon is outstanding as the idealistic young director Nick Chapman, who falls prey to the jaded Hollywood lifestyle - long before he can afford it personally or financially. Martin Short's role as Nick's agent is hilarious, and other good performances are turned in by Jennifer Jason Leigh, Terri Hatcher, and many others. This is Spinal Tap for the film industry, and well worth a look.