Pittsburgh


Filmed here in 2004, Pittsburgh follows Jeff Goldblum’s return to his hometown to star in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s production of The Music Man with his then-fiancée, Catherine Wreford. This deliciously deadpan comedy walks an elegant line between improvisation, documentary, and re-enactment. Goldblum attacks the project with his trademark quirky enthusiasm and he ultimately ropes his friends Ed Begley Jr. and Illeana Douglas into the musical too. But once the cast assembles in Pittsburgh, Goldblum is stricken with self-doubt over whether he can convincingly play the iconic role of Harold Hill. The co-directors mix genuine documentary – including “real” appearances by Doug Shields, Jennifer Antkowiak, John Shumway, and CLO’s cast and crew – with outright self-parody to make Pittsburgh an uproariously funny film. (Kyle LaBrache and Chris Bradley; USA; 2006; 84 min)