This so-called documentary is just as lofty and unfocused as one of Sam Shepherd's stageplays.

"This So-Called Disaster" is an observational documentary about Shepherd directing the premier production of "The Late Henry Moss" in San Francisco with a stage and screen, all-star cast, including Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, Woody Harrelson and Cheech Marin, among others.

By the title, I was expecting a documentary about how this premier fell apart over its six weeks of rehearsal and it's all Shepherd can do to keep everyone from killing each other.

Instead, the movie sort of focuses on Shepherd's material inspired by the memories of his alcoholic father.

I'd actually say maybe ten minute of the film is devoted to Shepherd telling us (the audience) about his father, the rest of it is scenes from rehearsals. Albeit, these scenes are interesting to show the process of stage production, but since they're out of context, they are uninteresting as continuous minutes of screen time.

The picture showed no conflict, either with the production, nor within Shepherd himself. In fact, Shepherd comes off as quite a well-rounded individual. This movie even helps me have more respect of him as a dramatist, but not as a playwright.

I've read one Sam Shepherd play in college for a paper, and watched another production on video and about fell into a coma with both of them. The picture was directed by obvious Shepherd fans, since it goes out of its way to glorify the man's developing career as a playwright and personality in theatre. I just didn't care to know his details. "The Late Henry Moss" wasn't exactly presented as the pinnacle of his stage career.

I did like the interaction between the production's cast, especially the few seconds where the cast is going through a speed-through of the script and Harrelson begins asking staging questions. Penn calls him on it, and says, "Where is written in [the script]? You may be able to get away with that stuff in 'White Men Can't Jump,' but not here."

Harrelson responded sarcastically with, "You know I though your performance in Shanghai Surprise was highly under-rated." As the room laughed, Penn simply smirked and said, "I agree." I was laughing out loud.

I was also surprised that the movie showed nearly the entire production without ONE person making fun of Nick Nolte's hair. Someone needs to buy that man a comb.

Anyways, "This So-Called Disaster" was a disappointment for me and unless you're a Sam Shepherd fan, it may put you to sleep. It's simply not provocative or gripping.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?