Suppose you took a collection of independent but interrelated stories (a la Crash), cut it down to only four main characters, stripped it of all significant insight into the human condition, and made it into a comedy. That would be about what you find in CallBack: The Unmaking of "Bloodstain."

This is supposed to be a look back at how everything went wrong making a movie. For some reason the film had everything go wrong. But we get very little reflection from those involved. What we get instead is the backstories of the three actors and the director. Each story goes its own way, but each story intersects with the other three at various points before they begin work on the movie.

The three actors are all wannabes. None has ever really worked as an actor. Peter has been trying for years, but has finally figured out he's not going to get work. He also discovers he's not qualified for any jobs, such as waiting tables. He does find work in "telemarketing"—actually a gay phone sex line. Tony has just been released from a mental hospital. He is this mild and unassuming innocent—at least if he stays on his meds. Carl is trying to be the muscle for his loan-shark uncle, but has always wanted to act.

Each one interacts with the other two in coincidental meetings. These run-ins always end up creating animosity. When they all three get cast in a film (through a variety of implausible circumstances) it's clear that the project is doomed. We're not surprised when it all falls apart.

I expect that this is meant to be a parody of the filmmaking process—struggling actors, casting couches, runaway productions. But it's not enough to make fun of something in parody; you have to have a firm understanding of what you're trying to lampoon. This film doesn't get to that level. It looks at the surface without getting below to where real people and real issues can be seen in a light-hearted way.

This film played the festival circuit for a couple of years and is getting a brief theatrical release. The film even won a couple of best actor awards from festivals for Jeff Parise (who plays the schizophrenic). I have to admit that Tony did grow on me while I watched, especially when he's on his meds. He may be a little over the top, but he is the best thing the film has to offer.