Kozo Haginoya is a 64 year old who is signed up to a film extras agency called Lark. He is the subject of a documentary that is being filmed. Haginoya is something of a dreamer, hoping one day to be given the role of a fireman in a movie, like his acting hero Steve McQueen in the “Towering Inferno”. Despite having no discernible talent for acting, and generally being a disaster when it comes to doing what the director wants of him, he nevertheless seems content to keep trying. When it is discovered that there may be a man wanted in connection with drug dealing working at the same agency, two undercover detectives also decide to enter the world of extra work in order to catch the criminal.
“Extro” is a mockumentary that has several well-worked gags, often relying on subtle cringe humour rather than slapstick. Kozo Haginoya gives a fantastic comic performance playing it completely deadpan as with everyone else. While he is almost completely unable to follow direction, he has charm and a constantly upbeat attitude to everything, apologising to those around him for messing up the takes. The film features several professional actors and directors, including Nobuhiko Obayashi (House) and Yasufumi Terawaki. These help lend the mockumentary some credibility and the film definitely goes all out to make it look as genuine as possible. Most of the film revolves around the Ibaraki Edo Warp Station, a large reconstruction of an Edo-era town used in various films and television shows. Haginoya finds work as an extra in a couple of films, including one historical romantic drama. The film takes an odd turn in the latter half with the introduction of the police storyline, sidelining that of Haginoya. It feels as though the film-makers wanted something to give a sense of narrative. While this plot provides some great moments with the incompetent detectives becoming enamoured of their new ‘profession’, it is a shame that Haginoya’s story is shelved for a portion while this plays out. Many of the best gags are those that are character-driven or related to the problems with filming.
The film is a fun mockumentary on an ageing actor who is pursuing his dream with little concern about his ability or the possibility of achieving it. The entire cast give great performances and are entirely believable as extras at the Lark volunteer talent agency. While it loses its way a little in attempting to force the film into a narrative structure, there are many fantastic moments. It provides a peek behind the curtain at how films are made, gently yet warmheartedly poking fun at the acting profession.
