Legendary actor and director, Burt Reynolds

The Player is a 1992 black comedy satire starring Tim Robinson. The story is about a big time Hollywood producer, Griffin Mill, who gets into trouble with the law. This is a film that is loaded with celebrity cameos and surprise appearances and could arguably be called an ensemble. And yet, Burt Reynolds still manages to stand out both by virtue of being Burt Reynolds and of the particular scene he is in. The way this sequence is edited and shot as well as the usage of referential acting are all quite interesting. First, we see Burt sitting at a fancy restaurant with another man, Charles Champlin, and as soon as new rival to Mill, Larry Levy goes up to talk to him, Burt looks visibly annoyed and uncomfortable. Immediately after the brief exchange with Levy, Burt quickly and nonchalantly asks his companion about the identity of their mysterious visitor. Charles, in turn, practically dismisses the humanity of this Hollywood producer, making it clear that for them, that’s all those people are. Power hungry, greedy snakes that will smile and shake your hand in public but screw you over in private. Then, after Mill comes over and shakes their hands, Burt barely waits for the former to be out of earshot before proclaiming: “asshole.” Charles then replies that he is “one of a breed.” Burt disagrees with Charles and begins to explain how these snakes they call producers are being bred by someone, but before we can get any answers, the sound editing changes focus to Joel’s and Mill’s conversation. Nevertheless, for a few seconds the camera lingers on Burt and Charles in the foreground, while the characters who are the focus of the story are left in the background. It is a way of highlighting how audiences will often be shown the pretty faces of these world-class actors while the shadowy figures of the producers are left behind the scenes to run the show. Burt is aware and weary of this whole system. He has enjoyed a lifetime of luxury and world fame, but still finds himself jarred at the very sight of these producers. This brief scene helps set up the tone for the rest of the movie. We cannot trust anyone within Mill’s surroundings.