10 Movies and Shows Similar to Living in Oblivion (1995)

Description: Federico Fellini's masterpiece, like 'Living in Oblivion', is a self-reflexive film about the struggles of filmmaking. Both protagonists are directors grappling with creative block and personal turmoil, and both films blend reality with fantasy to depict the artistic process.

Fact: Won two Academy Awards. Considered one of the greatest films ever made. The title refers to the number of films Fellini had directed up to that point.

Description: Like 'Living in Oblivion', 'The Player' offers a satirical look at the film industry, though from the perspective of Hollywood executives rather than indie filmmakers. Both films use dark humor to expose the superficiality and cutthroat nature of the business.

Fact: Features over 60 celebrity cameos. The opening shot is a famous 8-minute long take. Directed by Robert Altman, known for his ensemble casts.

Description: Both 'Ed Wood' and 'Living in Oblivion' celebrate the passion and perseverance of filmmakers, no matter how flawed their output. While 'Living in Oblivion' focuses on the chaos of a single day of shooting, 'Ed Wood' chronicles the career of a director often called the 'worst of all time', yet whose enthusiasm is infectious.

Fact: Johnny Depp's portrayal of Ed Wood is highly praised. Martin Landau won an Oscar for his role as Bela Lugosi. Directed by Tim Burton.

Description: Like 'Living in Oblivion', 'Bowfinger' is a comedy about the struggles of low-budget filmmaking, with a desperate director trying to make his vision come to life despite numerous obstacles. Both films highlight the ingenuity and chaos inherent in indie film production.

Fact: Steve Martin wrote the screenplay. Eddie Murphy plays dual roles. The film is a satire of Hollywood and its obsession with fame.

Description: Both 'Shadow of the Vampire' and 'Living in Oblivion' offer a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, though the former blends this with horror. The films share a theme of the blurred line between reality and fiction, with 'Shadow of the Vampire' taking a more literal approach with its vampire actor.

Fact: Willem Dafoe was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Max Schreck. The film is a fictionalized account of the making of 'Nosferatu'. John Malkovich plays director F.W. Murnau.

Description: This film shares with 'Living in Oblivion' a meta-fictional approach to storytelling, focusing on the struggles of creativity and the absurdities of the film industry. Both films use humor and self-awareness to critique the process of making art, with 'Adaptation.' taking it a step further by incorporating the screenwriter's own neuroses into the narrative.

Fact: Nicolas Cage plays dual roles as twin brothers. The film is loosely based on Susan Orlean's book 'The Orchid Thief'. Spike Jonze directed, with Charlie Kaufman writing the screenplay.

Description: Like 'Living in Oblivion', 'Synecdoche, New York' delves into the chaotic and often surreal world of filmmaking, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Both films explore themes of artistic struggle, existential dread, and the meta-narrative of creating art. The self-referential storytelling and the portrayal of a director's obsessive vision are key similarities.

Fact: Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut. The title is a play on 'synecdoche', a figure of speech, and Schenectady, New York. Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is considered one of his finest.

Description: This film shares with 'Living in Oblivion' a comedic take on the absurdities of film production, though 'Tropic Thunder' amplifies the satire to an extreme. Both films feature egotistical actors and a series of on-set disasters, highlighting the often ridiculous nature of making movies.

Fact: Robert Downey Jr. received an Oscar nomination for his role. Tom Cruise's controversial but memorable supporting role. Ben Stiller directed and co-wrote the film.

Description: Both 'Birdman' and 'Living in Oblivion' explore the behind-the-scenes chaos of artistic production, with a focus on the fragile egos and personal demons of those involved. The use of long takes and a quasi-real-time narrative in 'Birdman' mirrors the immersive, frenetic energy of 'Living in Oblivion'.

Fact: Shot to appear as one continuous take. Michael Keaton's comeback role. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Description: This film, like 'Living in Oblivion', explores the making of a notoriously bad movie ('The Room') with a mix of humor and pathos. Both films depict the passion and delusion of filmmakers who are in over their heads, yet deeply committed to their projects.

Fact: James Franco directed and starred as Tommy Wiseau. Based on the making of 'The Room', often called the 'best worst movie'. Won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.