Chris Rock is taking a decidedly personal view of what it means to “make it” as his new film, “Misty Green,” turns its attention to career setbacks, Hollywood ambition and complicated relationships.
Speaking at the movie’s New York Film Festival premiere Saturday night, Rock rejected the idea that professional success alone represents fulfillment.
“Most people don’t make it, quote unquote, in Hollywood,” Rock said. “Making it is, to me, where I’m at right now: my daughter having great kids. Having love in your life. If you got no love, you’re broke as f—k. That’s making it. All this other stuff, it’s just a job at the end of the day.”
That perspective connects closely to the story of “Misty Green,” which stars Rosalind Eleazar as a fictional actress attempting a comeback after years of watching her career fade. The film uses Misty’s experience to poke fun at some of the pressures and trappings surrounding the pursuit of success in the entertainment business.
Hollywood struggles with a wider reach
Rock appears in the movie as a director who reconnects with Misty after previously getting her removed from a remake of “Cinderella.” Earlier this month, Rock revealed that he had initially imagined Donald Glover in the role.
The two central characters find common ground in their inability to stay faithful in relationships. While that element plays into a familiar image of show-business life, Rock said he does not consider infidelity to be limited to the entertainment industry.
“I don’t think it’s a Hollywood thing, it’s just life,” he said. “Our two characters bond over our infidelities. And, yeah, it’s a lot. But it’s show business, man. Rock ’n’ roll!”
Eleazar also sees the film’s examination of professional rejection as something that reaches well beyond actors. “Misty Green” marks the first time she has topped the call sheet on a feature film, giving the comeback story an additional real-life resonance.
“I’ve had bouts of not working,” Eleazar said. “I know many actors that have had huge bouts of not working and are constantly knocked down. And I have a lot of respect for actors that get up and do it all over again. But it’s also a universal story about any industry. It’s not just about actors.”
The film previously premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Following that screening, awards editor Clayton Davis called Eleazar “a best actress contender that dares anyone in the room to argue otherwise.”
A major ensemble on a $5 million production
Eleazar and Rock are joined by Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, Anna Kendrick and Topher Grace. Rock said the movie carried a $5 million price tag and credited the decision to film locally in Los Angeles with helping the production secure its ensemble.
“That was one of the reasons I got this great cast, because I just happened to be filming in L.A., so that definitely helped,” Rock said.
He also expressed interest in making more movies in the city, while acknowledging the financial obstacles involved.
“I would love to film more movies in L.A.,” Rock said. “It’s a money thing at this point. Tax incentives would help.”
For Rock, however, the themes surrounding “Misty Green” ultimately point back to a definition of success that has less to do with career status. As the movie explores an actress trying to regain her footing, Rock’s own message is that love and family—not the endless chase for industry approval—are what determine whether someone has truly made it.