In 1986, pseudo-journalist Geraldo Rivera gave us the massively hyped "Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults", a 2-hour show where Geraldo promised to crack open on live TV the secret stash of America's most notorious crime lord. What would we find? Cash? Jewels? Jimmy Hoffa's body? No, ultimately a very embarrassed Geraldo unveiled merely a room full of dirt and a few empty bottles, after which he reportedly went across the street and got smashed on tequila.
"The Bill Murray Experience" is the same ride, an 81-minute show that focuses on Sadie Katz's singular mission to uncover the whereabouts of comedy legend Bill Murray. And although you may have noticed Bill Murray listed 2nd in the credits, don't expect anything along the lines of Jimmy Hoffa. Maybe a bottle of tequila after the credits roll.
This film's strength--and downfall--is in its realism. It's a strength because it's like a slice of real life, despite its madcap premise (girl stalks Bill Murray). But it's a downfall because the realism means there aren't any interesting twists, clever angles or witty dialogue. It's like, literally, a girl stalks Bill Murray. And not even creepy/insane stalking, but just sorta politely stalking.
For me the best parts of the film were around the middle when we get a tragicomic glimpse of how this bizarre pilgrimmage is ruining Sadie's life. Whether it was real or acted, this was the part that gave some depth and humanity to Sadie's character as she loses all her friends, her home and her boyfriend. The only problem is that this part of the story is grazed over in less than 5 minutes, if even that. Just a speedbump, and then it's back to planning her next escapade. I was really hoping we'd see Sadie totally lose it, either comically or tragically, as it dawned on her that no sane person would dedicate a year to chasing Bill Murray around the country, much less film it. That could've given this film the drama it needed.
So without any comedic gags or funny plot elements, the entire film ends up resting on the payoff... When is Bill Murray going to appear? He's in the credits, right? Surely nobody would make an 81-min movie about stalking Bill Murray without having some kind of moneyshot finish? I mean... right?
Pass the tequila, Geraldo.