Film tells bizarre story about game show host, CIA assassin
Working from an inspired script by red-hot screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation.”), Clooney proves a very sly filmmaker and populates the picture with highly enjoyable supporting performances from Julia Roberts and Drew Barrymore, as an international woman of mystery and a hippie-dippy girlfriend, respectively. Sharp-eyed viewers should also look for cameos by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Secretary”), game-show host Jim Lange and even Barris. Barris is the man many hold responsible for the downward slide of television with its exploitative reality programs and talk shows featuring such dubious talents such as Jerry Springer. Clooney, however, obviously harbors no hard feelings about Barris’ past.
FILM REVIEW
“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”
Grade: B+
Starring: Sam Rockwell, George Clooney, Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts; screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, based on the autobiography by Chuck Barris; produced by Andrew Lazar; directed by George Clooney.
Running Time: 110 minutes.
Parental Guide: R rating (strong sexual elements, nudity, harsh four-letter profanity, violence).