After watching Chris Rock’s latest film, I get the strong impression that he does not like Hollywood. That sentiment is actually very fair given the events that transpire in his movie, Misty Green, which examines the life and career of a black actor (the titular character) who achieved some success and acclaim as a television actor, but is still struggling to achieve the level of success her talents should bring her. The movie is mostly an intriguing and revealing examination of what it is like to be a great talent. Still, the combination of both her personal problems and the issues that plague Hollywood seems destined to derail any chance of further success. However, some writing and directorial choices keep this earnest attempt to dissect Hollywood culture from becoming a satisfying indictment.

Rosalind Eleazar stars as Misty Green, a multi-talented actor who can sing exceptionally and act just as well, and who won an Emmy for her performance on a popular television show. The movie follows the aftermath of this success and why Misty has struggled to maintain the same level of greatness in her career. The reasons are complicated. Misty has developed a drug addiction and a lifestyle of hard partying, in addition to a reputation for working poorly with others. To make matters worse, her past life, which includes a brother named Jay (Daniel Kaluuya), struggles with schizophrenia and drops back into her life at the worst possible time. Misty reconnects with film director Jordan (Chris Rock), who has secured a major motion picture and is casting the lead role. Though Misty and Jordan previously had a rocky relationship, he is willing to give her a second chance to use her talents and shine like a star if she can keep her personal life in check.

Overall, I found this movie mostly intriguing and solidly done. Rock obviously has a lot of insight into the black experience as an artist in Hollywood, and has witnessed both the trappings of success and how personal issues can further derail one’s career. At the same time, his decision to cast himself as Jordan is a bad choice, since Rock seems to be able to play only himself. This sometimes works within the story, but then he includes moments where he is simply expressing his brand of comedy, which is often awkward and out of place.

Rosalind Eleazar’s acting is what kept me invested in her character’s story. Her character has obviously gone through a tremendous amount of problems and struggles, and these issues have fed her tendencies toward more self-destructive behavior. Eleazar gives a powerful, compelling performance, and that alone made me want her to succeed. I also marveled at Daniel Kaluuya’s performance as a man struggling with schizophrenia. He makes a sympathetic case for the character, but you can see how his erratic behavior takes a toll on those close to him. I must also acknowledge the turn by Adam Driver, who stars as Zach, a Hollywood filmmaker who is a sleazy parasite and predator who preys on those struggling with addiction and money troubles.

Misty Green is a complicated, sometimes scathing examination of Hollywood and how it can chew up even the most talented artists and spit them out at any time. It is a solid, ambitious effort by Chris Rock, but the film and story need more finesse and delicacy.