Hey folks, Harry here... this was one of those screenings that life kept me away from and I'm pissed. I would've killed to have made this screening, but due to a power outtage no alarms awoke me in time. AGONY! I've heard nothing but wonderful things about this film. In fact after Quint saw this and started talking about what a badass Rutger Hauer was... and I remembered that he hadn't seen BLADE RUNNER, I screened my original theatrical print of BLADE RUNNER to him so he could understand the meaning of the word BADASS better! Here ya go, can't wait to see it...
Ahoy squirts! The one and only resident crusty seaman, Quint, here to give my opinion on George Clooney's directorial debut, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND, starring Sam "I kick ass" Rockwell, Drew "I will one day be Quint's girl" Barrymore, Julia "I'm actually pretty good in this movie" Roberts, Rutger "Super Badass" Hauer and written by Charlie "So happy together" Kaufman.
Wasn't I cute with all those little inserts? hehe OK. The movie. On the one hand, it fully met my very high expectations. On the other hand, it didn't knock me on my ass. It's a damn good movie, a lot of fun. Clooney jumps into the director's chair with only the slightest hint of first time director showing through in the final product... But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The movie centers on Chuck Barris (Rockwell), the guy who's directly responsible for the amazingly addictive and entertaining schlock television like The 5th Wheel. Back in the day, Mr. Barris came up with The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and even hosted his own show, probably his most infamous, The Gong Show. If you are to believe his writing he also was a hitman for the CIA.
Yes, it's weird, but it's most definitely fun weird, not stupid weird.
Clooney's biggest strength, as with most actors turned directors, is pulling great performances out of his actors. His shot selection is interesting and mostly well done, but sometimes it feels a little like he's out to prove himself by coming up with odd angles, centering his actors on the far left side of the frame, etc. That didn't really hinder the enjoyment of the film for me personally, but some people are picky about that sort of thing, so I thought I'd mention it.
Clooney also appears in the film as CIA Agent Jim Byrd, one of my favorite characters in the movie. I've been a huge fan of Clooney as an actor since I attended the Austin premiere of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, way back even before I met Harry and started writing for this sit. I had seen him on ER and thought he had charisma out the wazoo, but it wasn't until his turn as Seth Gecko did he totally win me over as an actor.
He hasn't lost any of his confident charm in this film. He's the Yoda to Rockwell's Luke Skywalker. The guy who brings Barris into the CIA, the guy who gives him advice, sends him on missions. Of course he swaggers a bit. He talks shit. That's his job. He's in a position of power and he doesn't let anyone forget it. All of that is good, but it wouldn't have worked if it weren't for Sam Rockwell.
I love Sam Rockwell! He turns in a very good, textured performance. He's able to balance the comedy, the drama and the action without becoming ridiculous. Well done!
Ummm... Drew Barrymore. Yum-Yum. I've had a hard-on for this girl since I knew I had a penis. She's so amazingly cute in this film it's not even funny. I can believe famous game show host Chuck Barris was a CIA agent, running missions in West Berlin during the Cold War, but I can't believe he'd ever not commit to marry Drew Barrymore. Her attractive looks are surpassed only in her cool as hell personality and she's been bringing a lot of that into her work recently... Plus she was the only one willing to give Richard Kelly the helping hand he needed to make DONNIE DARKO, so she deserves a place in all geek's hearts... But just remember I saw her first!
Julia Roberts... I know there's this deep hatred for Julia Roberts built into the geek community. I don't find her all that offensive myself, but maybe I'm just missing something. That being said, I never was her biggest fan either. She's a maybe actress for me. Maybe I'll go see a movie she's in, maybe I won't. She fantastic in this movie, playing a role we're not used to seeing her in. She plays a very noir-ish secret agent whom Rockwell collaborates with on hits. She's very cold, very sensual and perfectly aggressive.
Rutger Hauer. I can think of no better actor who deserves to be rescued out of direct to video land. Hauer is creepy, threatening and a great actor to boot. Clooney uses him to his fullest in this film as Barris' German connection. He doesn't have much screen time, but damned if he's not one of the standout characters in the movie.
Also, keep your eyes out for 2 of the most well placed cameos in film history. You'll know them when you see 'em.
All in all, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND is a highly entertaining film. I was hoping for a brilliant film, what with a Kaufman script and that cast, but a damn good, highly entertaining film ain't a bad trade off. CONFESSIONS has a lot of similarities to Paul Schrader's AUTO FOCUS as they both concentrate on the dubious private lives of well known TV celebrities. AUTO FOCUS is by far the best film of the two, but I bet you I'll watch CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND more. AUTO FOCUS was amazing, but goddamn was it depressing.
At any rate, I think that just about wraps up that one, squirts! I'll be back before Santa loads up his ol' sleigh with some cool interviews and even some more movie reviews. 'Til that day, this is Quint bidding you all a fond farewell and adieu.
-Quint
email: Email me here... especially if you're Drew Barrymore... Hmmm... Drewwwww... McWeenyyyyy
