That Guy... Who Was in That Thing (2012) User Reviews

Really Interesting

[HerveVillechaize · 8/10 · 16 January 2013]

One of the myths about Hollywood is you're either a star or a failed actor but then there's the working actor, where it's a job and you make a living (sometimes by the skin of your teeth). I was pleasantly surprised by this documentary; the stories these actors tell are oddly compelling and you get a bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff, like I thought it was funny to learn that a series like Law & Order will use the same actor in different roles over the run of the show.

The interviews feel conversational, like you're just hanging out hearing war stories from these guys. I hope they make one about female actors too. That could be interesting, to see a woman's take on the business.

Good.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 30 June 2013]

"That Guy...Who Was in That Thing" is a great documentary for film buffs but is probably something that the average person might not care to see. But, since I love films, I love the idea of learning more about some of the familiar supporting actors that are ubiquitous--the guys whose names you usually don't know. The movie stars about a dozen of these folks who talk about a wide variety of topics. And, since there is no narrator, the film seems, at times, a bit directionless--more just musings about their lives, careers, the ups and the downs. This same lack of direction does, after a while, make the film seem a bit overlong--though still interesting if you can stick with it.

By the way, I would love to see a sequel--one in which they progressively give the actors more and more and more alcohol in order to find out what they REALLY think. Also, interestingly, no female actors were interviewed.

Pay Attention to that Guy Behind the Curtain

[ArchonCinemaReviews · 8/10 · 4 August 2014]

I have always been the type of girl to wants to see behind the veil, and this is true with films and filmmaking. That Guy…Who Was In That Thing is an interesting glimpse behind the scene of a working actor's life. Each actor chronicles his life from early adulthood being born with a passion, knowing he wants to act, to his life now as a moderately recognizable but ultimately successful actor earning a livelihood in the industry.

The title could not be more apt as each actor's face is familiar but in an intangible way. The actors are charismatic, funny, diversely opinioned, and self aware. But ultimately all actors featured are passionate when it comes to acting which is most appealing and engages the viewer. The film addresses why these actors went into the industry, the trials prior to breaking into Hollywood and tribulations after, their first successes, auditions, their non-working periods, but all in a very concrete manner because it is a one person point of view of each actor's experience.

This documentary is a must see for any person seriously considering going into acting. I hope a female perspective is in the works as it would yield a different outcome, in my honest opinion. I understand why it is only males, keeping the experiences ultimately linear in direction – actresses experiences would have muddled the documentary.

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A fantastic documentary

[neillewis-1 · 10/10 · 27 January 2013]

Insightful and entertaining - a very satisfying window into the industry. A must-see for anybody contemplating embarking upon an acting career! And I can't imagine a more interesting "rogue's gallery" of actors - there wasn't a single face whose work I hadn't seen (and appreciated) somewhere before, and it was refreshing to hear them interviewed "out of character", just being themselves. "I kind of look like an a--hole, so that's what I get hired to play." Priceless! I could have listened to "those guys" tell stories all day long. My only gripe - there must be a follow-up featuring the ladies in the works, right?

If you like looking behind the curtain - this is the movie for you

[bill-welsh · 10/10 · 22 January 2013]

If you are one of those people that opens their Christmas gifts early or looks up magic tricks on the internet, you will enjoy this movie.

That Guy...Who Was in That Thing is an in-depth collection of seamless interviews, stories and recollections from an amazing group of true actors, those professionals that have been in everything from stage to television to film. I found their stories fascinating and enjoyed the style where the filmmakers didn't allow you to hear the questions posed - you only heard the principals.

These truly are those guys that you've seen play the president, the politician, the evil boss or the bumbling best friend. You can never quite remember their names, but you remember their faces - and their performances. After watching this, and experiencing their spellbinding tales of "the real Hollywood", I guarantee you will remember their names.

Fantastic documentary

[Mapr1216 · 10/10 · 23 January 2013]

Excellent well organized documentary. It was really nice to watch and hear the real life of these actors that we see all the time in movies and TV. The information about their daily lives, frustrations, happiness and accomplishments makes us realize that actors are humans too.. These are really the actors that make the movies., TV series and entertainment. thought most of the time we don't know their names we do recognize them when we see them. I encourage every single art student and aspiring actors to watch these excellent work. For those who really have the dream and hope to work and make a living out ot this profession I think this documentary gives them the reality and encouragement that it can be done but you have to have patience, and never,never give up! Hope they will always be working. The Director did a very good job, the script was well organized, informative and interesting. Thank you,

A Must See for the Young Aspiring Actor ...

[mehk · 9/10 · 22 January 2013]

This should be mandatory viewing for any young person that wants to be an actor, and thinks that he/she can be the next Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts by just getting on a bus and moving to Los Angeles.

The candor and honesty of the actors in this documentary reveal the reality of what it takes, and what it's like to endure in this line of business over a lifetime.

They are like the plumbers and electricians of the acting world. We may not know their names, but they have certainly made a better world for all of us in the world of entertainment.

Their common thread: the ability to withstand hardship and adversity, and still have a sense of humor...

Inspired

[christiangmonzon · 10/10 · 23 January 2013]

I'm grateful to the director for introducing me to this film. Moving and encouraging, but above all inspiring. Every actor should watch this, and everybody who loves actors should watch this. It will open your eyes to the dedication and effort it takes to make it as an actor. You might not know their names, but the face is unmistakable. Often times we, as the audience, forget that the story wouldn't be a story without the supporting cast. There are many memorable roles etched in film history, by several of these actors. It was awesome to hear their account of their journey. To anyone trying to make it in Hollywood or is thinking about taking the leap, this is a must see. You will see stories of overcoming adversities in everyone of their eyes. A reminder to those of us that has ever stepped on a stage or hit a mark in front of a lens that its not about the destination, its all about the journey. Thanks Ian, for sharing this with me...hell of a job.

completely unvarnished and straight forward

[oscar-35 · 15 August 2013]

*Spoiler/plot- That Guy..who was in that Thing, 2012. An exploration of recognizable, but often not famous guest stars or day players in Hollywood.

*Special Stars-Xander Berkeley, Bruce Davidson, Craig Fairbass, Zack Grenier, Paul Guilfoyle, Gregory Itzin, Zeljko Ivanek, Robert Joy, Stanley Kamel, JC Mackenzie, Matt Malloy, Timothy Omundson.

*Theme- There are no small actors, just small roles.

*Trivia/location/goofs- Hollywood and New York.

*Emotion- For people interested in character actors and how they got into and maintain work in The Biz, this film is wonderfully informative and humorous. The direct accounts from these many male actors is completely unvarnished and straight forward to hear. Such a pleasure to view this film for any actor in the audience.

The Good & Bad of Being That Guy

[dmisgr8 · 9/10 · 15 January 2013]

It was amazing to see all these wonderful actors, that I've seen a hundred times before on T.V. and movies. While I might not have known everyone of there names I knew who they were and what impact that they have all made on the industry as a whole. For without these actors the movies/TV shows wouldn't be what they are and for that I thank them all for all there hard work and dedication they have given this industry. So next time you are watching a show and wonder who the non-main characters are take a moment and look them up and be thankful they are such awesome and talented people :) I cant wait to see what the future holds for all of these guys, but I hope they are around for a very long time.

Wonderful doc, but surprised there was only one actor of color...

[porterkelly · 9/10 · 9 June 2013]

I really really liked it, but I thought it was bizarre that there was only one guy of color, Rick Worthy (who was my fave, BTW). I get why they didn't include women, perhaps...different can of worms/maybe they're working on the female version... But, really? Only one guy of color? I mean...what about Frankie Faison? Freddy Rodriguez? Giancarlo Esposito? Graham Greene? James Hong? Iqbal Theba? Again, don't get me wrong. I really liked it. It's not even a complaint so much as something that just struck me as odd.

And, hey, I will watch all the sequels they want to make..."That Chick From...," "More of Those Guys..." (with a little more ethnic variety mixed in), "That Kid from That Show,"..."That Dog From..." (ok, maybe that one's taking it a little far...haha!) Anyway, I really did enjoy it. What a lovely group of guys with wonderful stories. It made me like them even more...however, I still only know a couple of their names. Haha! As a few of them said, though, that's really the perfect place to be. :)

A Great Look At the Reality of Acting

[gavin6942 · 8/10 · 29 May 2013]

Documentary about sixteen actors who detail their ups and downs as they struggle to forge careers in Hollywood...

While many of these people I recognized by face, I only knew one by name: Bruce Davison, the star of "Willard". These truly are people who have been "that guy".

Early on, we are given the statistic that of the 240,000 union actors, only 100 are "stars" and the average annual income is $5000. I think that sets the tone for the film. The real lesson is that being an actor does not make you Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, but one of thousands of people who fight for small parts and get paid a pittance even if you do get them.

The actors here have all been successful to some degree, but they still do the auditions and they know the routine. They are not getting scripts sent to them that can be accepted without a screen test. If you want to know more about the acting business, this is a good place to start.

Every serious actor should watch this!

[otooleginger · 10/10 · 3 July 2022]

I absolutely loved this documentary. I've been training and working as actor for a only few years but I love every minute of it. But being famous, and recognized everywhere has some serious drawbacks and not being recognized certainly doesn't mean that you don't have talent. I think this documentary shows how you can have a very successful career and still have a somewhat normal life. Also, I love having the ability to play a huge range of characters which is something these actors do quite well. I definitely watched this from a different perspective than a non-actor but kudos to all of the supremely talented actors in the documentary! This was so much fun to watch!!! (also check out the "That Gal.... Who Was in That Thing" as well!

Everyday Actors Faces but Never Names...Until Now!

[ShelbyTMItchell · 9/10 · 3 December 2013]

We get to see sixteen everyday actors. That we know their faces. But never their names. As this documentary finally gives them their due. As we get to see their struggles. And how they are glad that they are not carrying a movie. Rather than being more of a scene stealer than a star.

As they know that they will never get to carry a film or a TV show to say the least. But they are there to do the work. As they seem like your average person but are in very important jobs. Plus to make the leading actor or actress look good.

But really these sixteen actors have to go through ups and downs. While also going about their everyday life off the screen. And raising families. It was really very interesting!