Fred’s No
Clue Movie Review
"Confessions
of a Dangerous Mind"
Directed by George
Clooney
This was a very good movie. A great
performance from Sam Rockwell, playing “Gong Show” and “Dating Game”
creator Chuck Barris. He manages to
convey a man searching for success and himself, with both a sense of hope and
despair, which lives side by side within him.
Filled with rich supporting characters played by Drew Barrymore, Julia
Roberts, Rutger Hauer and Clooney himself, the movie is a pure joy to watch.
I suspect we owe the great story and rich characters to the chance taking
dangerous mind of screenwriter Charlie Kauffman.
Based on Barris’ autobiography of the same name, the film tells the story of
his life which may or may not be accurate, depending on whom you ask.
Much has been made about the fact that Chuck Barris claims to have been a
hired hit man for the CIA, as well as, a game show producer.
Is this fact or fiction? I
say who cares. It doesn’t matter and if you buy into that fact, it’s a
lot of fun to imagine. Regardless
of what you believe, it won’t hurt your enjoyment of the film.
I loved the recreations of the “Dating Game” and “Gong Show” sets.
Some of the best stuff, I thought, was when you see behind the scenes of
“The Dating Game”, the interaction between Barris and the ABC Network and
the CIA cover stories. This movie
is a portrait of a man who has had a lot of ups and downs in his life.
You see his struggles with trying to become a successful TV producer and
living out his dreams. You see his
failures and triumphs with women. He
seemed to me to be very distant from people at times, and it was tough to let
others in close to him. He was too
focused on his work and not his personal life.
It could also have been that whole hit man lifestyle too.
The cinematography was well done and I especially loved the shot selection.
They seemed to be taking a few chances here and there with the look of
the film. It leant a kind of
playful quality, which really complimented the subject matter.
I enjoyed watching the style of the movie, almost as much as the story.
Not sure if Clooney has learned a thing or two from his Section Eight
producing partner, Steven Soderbergh, or if this is purely coming from him.
Regardless, this is a great first film and I look forward to seeing what
else he chooses to direct.
My chief complaint about the movie is this: George, why so much of Sam Rockwell’s ass? Why not a little bit of Drew’s naked body, huh?
For
more information visit http://www.ifilm.com/confessions or
http://www.miramax.com
Got
comments? Suggestions?
I’d love to hear them.
email
me at no.clue@indenation.com
come back soon, until then, i’ll be at the movies…