Live!

Live! is a 2007 film written and directed by Bill Guttentag.

Katy, the protagonist, is the head of programming at the television network ABN. Tired and bored with the usual formats, she decides to create a new show.

The participants are six ordinary people, competing for $5 million each, but only five will win. Why? Because they will play Russian roulette.

Whoever dies loses!

Live! is based on the current model of TV programs. It aims to depict a futuristic scenario but finds itself grappling with an uncertain present. Eva Mendes, the absolute lead and executive producer of the film, portrays a cynical and ambitious television writer who overcomes every legal obstacle to bring the game of Russian roulette into American homes. Six contestants, one revolver with one bullet, and $5 million at stake for whoever survives. The insight that makes the film appreciable is the narrative style adopted, that of a mockumentary. An invisible crew never takes the camera off Eva Mendes, following her 24/7 from the inception of the format to its debut. This device allows the audience to distance themselves from the moral dilemmas the character must overcome to go all the way. After all, it’s not about murder, as the writer tells herself in the film; it’s a free choice for the contestant to put a bullet in their head if they want the money.
Would you be willing to risk so much?

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