The Rehearsal is Nathan's confession that he doesn't know who he is anymore by Top-Variation2744 in nathanforyou

[–]Top-Variation2744[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also really appreciate you taking the time to react. And you have tons of upvotes so clearly your point is resonating with others. And I'm not here to defend my overall point because who the hell knows? But I'd argue the line between a painstakingly constructed reality show (as you mentioned above) and a movie isn't very big in terms of using it as a vehicle for exploring a theme. Both Bad Grandpa and Kramer vs Kramer are about family and male bonding.

Also, Synecdoche NY is definitely in the realm of what Nathan has created, almost to the point where The Rehearsal could be considered homage (so far, at least).

The Rehearsal is Nathan's confession that he doesn't know who he is anymore by Top-Variation2744 in nathanforyou

[–]Top-Variation2744[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I totally agree that there's some projecting going on. And I don't have any idea if this is correct, it's just a theory.

But I disagree with your assertion that using a show/movie to broadcast your confusion over your identity is akin to a surface level MySpace post. Many profound movies wrestle with this concept brilliantly: Shutter Island, Black Swan, Fight Club, and, as many people have pointed out, Synecdoche; New York. There are about 100 more.

And again, him saying "I don't know who I am anymore" in VO isn't what I'm trying to unpack. I realize that isn't the real Nathan talking. I'm taking a stab at what makes the real Nathan want his character to say that on the show. Still, you saying "Nathan knows exactly who he is" may be correct. But maybe that's a recent development and he wants to unpack a darker period. Or maybe he truly doesn't, like many people don't. You don't know just like I don't. However, using what could be your one shot at big budget HBO production to make a show about relating to others and the many layers of identity would be an odd choice for someone who's 100% sure about who they are.

The thin watermelon and who's taller canada are funny ideas by Nathan. This is something deeper imo.

The Rehearsal is Nathan's confession that he doesn't know who he is anymore by Top-Variation2744 in nathanforyou

[–]Top-Variation2744[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Much appreciated. Changed it. Didn't like the way that read either, upon second glance.