If you’ve been shocked by the drama on Lifetime’s “UnREAL,” you may want to brace yourself before watching the 20-minute short film that inspired it.
“Sequin Raze” is an engrossing look at the darker side of reality television, anchored by a scene in which a disheveled producer on a “Bachelor”-esque dating show plays on the deepest insecurities of a contestant while trying to get her to open up about being dismissed by the show’s dashing suitor. “UnREAL’s” co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, who once worked as a producer on “The Bachelor,” wrote and directed the film in 2012 as part of the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women.
The short stars Ashley Williams as Rebecca, the producer who resorts to downright diabolical tactics in her quest for reality-TV gold. Anna Camp plays Jessica, the show’s first runner-up, who clearly expected to walk away with an engagement ring.
Initially, Jessica refuses to talk about being rejected on camera. But Rebecca is relentless, urging her to express her feelings so they can both go home. When that doesn’t work, Rebecca uses information given to her by the on-set therapist, Dr. Wagerstein (Frances Conroy), who reveals that Jessica has struggled with an eating disorder and other mental-health issues. Rebecca prods Jessica with questions (and vague implications that the suitor had issues with her appearance) until she eventually breaks into tears.
It’s a strong foundation for “UnREAL,” now in its second season. The Lifetime drama stars Shiri Appleby as Rachel, a producer whose feminism is often at odds with the morally questionable things she has to do to make “Everlasting,” “UnREAL’s” fictional reality show, a success. (“Sequin Raze” hints at similar tension as Rebecca sports a graphic T-shirt that reads: “George Bush Out Of My Uterus.”)
Things get a bit more Hollywood in the Lifetime version. Rachel is in a continuous power struggle with the show’s creators, Quinn (Constance Zimmer) and Chet (Craig Bierko), adding to the behind-the-scenes drama. And while Rachel appears consistently unkempt in the show’s first season, Season 2 finds her trading her cargo jacket and hoodie for decidedly more polished Helmut Lang blazers and even formal wear.
“Sequin Raze”: https://vimeo.com/169275162
