Written by “Larry Sanders” veteran Maya Forbes, and Wally Wolodarsky (TV's "The Simpsons,” and “The Ortegas”), “Seeing Other People” exemplifies the independent film as an increasingly viable (and satisfying) venue to create intelligent adult-oriented fare, unfettered by the more ratings-safe, audience-friendly pap often proffered by the major studios.
Co-writer/director Wolodarsky largely dominates the audio commentary track, but the writing team maintains a steady track of ideas; while more production anecdotes than practical facts, the two nevertheless offer some excellent insight into their screen characters (in no way illustrating any real-life extra-marital bingeing), and intelligently discuss the moral consequences that affect their ideal couple (along with the film's regular doses of surprisingly frank nudity).
A trio of deleted scenes – tracking the career of buddy Carl (patterned after the film's real composer, and played by Andy Richter) – are included with optional running commentary, and the two writers also cite other deleted sequences during their feature commentary, along with the original ending that was significantly changed near the script's completion.
The making-of featurette is a bit short on interviews with the entire cast, though co-stars Mohr and Nicholson (the latter stealing practically every scene with a hysterically nuanced realization of fiancée Alice) and writers Forbes and Wolodarsky provide some concise script and character insights. “Seeing Other People” was also filmed in High Definition Video, and a segment on the format's attractive and cost-effective attributes would have been an excellent addition to the featurette, particularly since the production and cinematography are respectively well designed, and photographed.
A sexy, funny, and snappily written film, the commentary track also cites the filmmaker's casting coups, including Lauren Graham, Bryan Cranston, and a surprise appearance by Helen Slater; plus some of the more funny cameos, including director Wolodarsky, Mimi Rogers, Alex Borstein, Jonathan Davis (KoRn's lead singer), and Jill Ritchie (Kid Rock's kid sister).
© 2004 Mark R. Hasan
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