Mainstream

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 7, 2021

Genre
Drama, Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Andrew Garfield as Link
• Maya Hawke as Frankie
• Nat Wolff as Jake
• Jason Schwartzman as Mark
• Johnny Knoxville as Ted Wick
• Alexa Demie as Isabelle Roberts

Director
Gia Coppola

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Palo Alto (2013)

Producer
Fred Berger
Gia Coppola
Zac Weinstein

Writer
Gia Coppola
Tom Stuart

Budget
N/A (Independent Film)

Production Company
Automatik
American Zoetrope
Kennedy/Marshall Company

Running Time
94 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Sexual content
• Drug use
• Mature themes

Movie Story
“Mainstream” is a satirical drama that delves into the world of social media, fame, and the price of internet stardom. The film follows Frankie (Maya Hawke), a young woman who is struggling to find direction in her life while working as a bartender in Los Angeles. Frankie dreams of becoming an artist but is disillusioned with the superficiality of the online world and the pressures of social media.

Frankie’s life takes a turn when she meets Link (Andrew Garfield), a charismatic and eccentric drifter who seems to be living outside the norms of society. Intrigued by Link’s rebellious nature and disdain for the mainstream, Frankie begins filming his antics and posting them online. To their surprise, Link quickly becomes a viral sensation, attracting a massive following and thrusting Frankie into the world of internet fame.

As Link’s popularity grows, he transforms into a larger-than-life persona, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable and ethical in the pursuit of views and likes. Frankie, who initially sees Link as a kindred spirit, starts to question the direction they are heading as their content becomes increasingly outrageous and exploitative. The film explores the dark side of internet fame, as the characters become trapped in a cycle of chasing virality, leading to moral compromises and personal disintegration.

Andrew Garfield delivers a standout performance as Link, portraying a character who is both magnetic and destructive. His portrayal captures the allure and danger of living life in the fast lane of internet fame. Maya Hawke’s portrayal of Frankie brings depth and vulnerability to the story, as she grapples with her role in the chaos she helped create.

“Mainstream” is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of seeking validation through social media and the consequences of losing sight of one’s values in the pursuit of fame. The film is visually striking, using bold colors, fast-paced editing, and surreal imagery to mirror the frenetic and often overwhelming nature of the digital world.

Special Effects
The film uses vibrant cinematography and sharp editing to create a visually dynamic experience that reflects the chaotic energy of the internet and social media. The visual style is a key component in conveying the film’s satirical tone and critique of modern fame culture.

Box Office Performance
“Mainstream” had a limited theatrical release and was made available on digital platforms. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its bold themes and performances, particularly by Andrew Garfield, while others found the film’s message muddled and its satire heavy-handed.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be anyone if you can be someone everyone wants.” – Link
• “Fame isn’t just about being seen, it’s about how you’re seen.” – Frankie
• “We’re creating a monster, but people love monsters, don’t they?” – Jake

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Mainstream” is Gia Coppola’s second feature film, following her directorial debut with “Palo Alto” in 2013. The film was influenced by Coppola’s observations of the rise of internet influencers and the impact of social media on personal identity and culture.
• Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Link required him to dive deep into the character’s manic and performative nature, which stands in stark contrast to his previous roles.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Mainstream” is an ambitious and provocative exploration of the dark side of internet fame and the superficiality of modern celebrity culture. While its message may not land for everyone, the film offers a visually striking and thought-provoking experience, driven by strong performances from Andrew Garfield and Maya Hawke. It’s a film that will resonate with those interested in the intersection of technology, identity, and the ethics of fame.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10