Most dating movies are fictional stories about two people perfectly suited to each other, but huge obstacles stand in their way. In the documentary, “My Date with Drew,” you’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks rookie filmmaker Brian Herzlinger and superstar Drew Barrymore are perfect for each other. However, the obstacles to meeting them, much less dating or falling in love, are certainly enormous.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to meet Drew Barrymore,” Herzlinger said during a telephone interview when asked about the documentary that he stars in, co-directs, co-produces and co-publishes. “Making this movie is a side effect of making my dream come true of meeting the person who was photographed on my bedroom wall growing up. Everyone has a similar dream.”
When he won $ 1,100 on a game show with the answer “Drew Barrymore,” he decided that fate was telling him to use the money to make his dream come true.
“Having been in love with her all my life and that dream of meeting her, I decided that instead of using the money for rent, I would try to meet her, to get a date with her,” he said. “And even if I didn’t get the date, I would still document the trip on tape.”
Based on an electronics store’s lenient 30-day return policy (which has since changed), he and producer partners Brett Winn, Jon Gunn, and Kerry David (aka The Drew Crew) hatched a plan to spend exactly 30 days and $ 1,100 documenting your search for a date with the popular movie star. They also launched a website to generate interest from other Barrymore fans.
The film details her trials and tribulations to gain access to the people around Drew Barrymore. Herzlinger enthusiastically reveals her social ineptitude, physical flaws, and basic insecurities for all to see. Camera work is straightforward and straightforward, just a few notches better than home movie. This is a character study, not flashy cinematography.
“We had no idea overnight what was going to happen,” Herzlinger said. “We were going to use six degrees of separation to try and get the date. Other than that, we also planned to go to the world premiere of” Charlie’s Angels on Full blast “in Los Angeles during those 30 days.”
During filming, the production team asked everyone they knew for favors. And everyone who knew everyone who knew. The goal was to find someone who could get Herzlinger a direct line to Drew so that he could ask a simple question: “Will you go out with me on a date?”
Shot in Los Angeles, New Jersey and New York, the film was completed in three months, screened at four film festivals to enthusiastic crowds, but took 18 months to hit theaters. Produced by Rusty Bear Entertainment and Lucky Crow Films in association with DEJ Productions, the documentary actually feels more like a romantic comedy.
Just look at what Herzlinger went through to put this movie together. Taking advantage of a store’s return policy for expensive equipment. Making phone calls to everyone the crew knew and following dozens of dead ends. Designing and wearing fake press badges that could have gotten them expelled or arrested at the premiere of “Charlie’s Angels.” Get a facial and remove body hair. Asking his parents for money to hold him for a while. Exercising with a trainer to shape your body in case the actual date happened. Rent a Drew Barrymore look-alike for a practice date. Spending every waking hour for three months of his life chasing a superstar.
So was all that effort worth it? Did you get the appointment? Herzlinger is reluctant to reveal anything, but admits he’s glad he did. “This ride was the wildest roller coaster ride of my life. It had the highest highs and the lowest lows.”