The Primary Instinct

2015 • 73 minutes

About this movie

Actor Stephen Tobolowsky has appeared in over 200 TV shows and films over the past 40 years, possessing one of the most diverse filmographies on the planet. But even more compelling than the stories he's been a part of onscreen are those he tells off-screen. In 'The Primary Instinct,' Stephen plays himself and uses the art of storytelling to take the audience through a riveting and moving journey about life, love, and Hollywood. Along the way, he just may answer one of the questions that's dogged humanity since the beginning of time: Why do we tell stories in the first place?

Ratings and reviews

And I mean that in the best possible way. Big fan of the podcast and the film felt like the greatest hits of the podcast condensed in one film. Great for fans of the podcast and for first timers for people who don't know who Stephen Tobolowsky exactly beside a "that guy" actor. Highly recommended

This film takes you along a descriptive ride into the art and theory of stories. Stephen strikes your emotional and intellectual chord through his life stories all leading up to answer one question...why do we tell stories? Great film.

Saw this at IFFBoston, and its unlike any thing I've ever seen. Turn off all distractions, and this film will draw you into an intense story told by a true narrative expert. While this is a "concert film", I honestly left the movie theater and remembered Steven standing on the stage directly in front of me. It is funny, emotional, compelling and not at all what I was expecting.