For the last five years George Clooney has proven to the entertainment world his talent as a actor. From his role on the t.v. show ER, to feature films of OUT OF SIGHT, THREE KINGS, OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? and SOLARIS, Clooney has proven the entertainment industry that he is a very talented and highly enjoyable actor. Now Clooney is in the director's chair with the help of screenwriter Charles Kaufman and director/producer Steve Soderbergh in the film CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND. CONFESSIONS is the first starring film of the usual supporting actor Sam Rockwell who appeared in GREEN MILE, GALAXY QUEST, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, and HEIST. Rockwell plays Chuck Barris, creator of the game shows "The Dating Game," "The Newlywed Game," and his most famous role as creator and host of "The Gong Show." The story begins with Barris trying his hardest on getting a girlfriend. Then it tells that Barris also wanted to be a success on television and still have a woman to love. Barris does find that woman with Penny (Drew Barrymore), and does have success with television with game shows that are considered to be foundation of reality television. What people don't really know about Barris is that although he was a popular for creating game shows and hosting "The Gong Show" he was working on the side, as a assassin for the CIA. Barris admits in his autobiography, that the screenplay is based on, that during the 1960's and 70's he was a assassin for the CIA. In the film, Barris is shown taking "free lance" assassin assignments for CIA Agent Jim Byrd (George Clooney). Barris then takes on dangerous assignments in Sweeden and East Berlin, while as a chaperone for the contestants from "The Dating Game." The humorous thing is that testimony interviews from people who know Barris (including Dick Clark) talk about how there were times when Barris would be out of his office for a couple of weeks, and no one knows where he went. CONFESSIONS shows that George Clooney can be just as good at directing as well as acting. I really enjoyed how Clooney used the editing techniques, time lapses and scene changes in the film. One example would be a scene where Barris is on a visitor tour of the NBC Studios, Barris walks away to ask the visitor center where can he apply for a job as a tour guide, then without noticing a edit, Barris is then seen giving a tour of the studio. Clooney even has fun with the film with tongue in cheek humor as the first tour guide explains to the group that her favorite show filmed at the NBC Studio is "The Rosemary Clooney Show" (Rosemary being George's real life aunt). And Clooney also has fun with casting some famous friends in small roles throughout the film. I won't spoil the surprises, but it's another enjoyable element for the film. And the cinematography in the film is also very impressive as the film is mostly dark with shades of light shinning in parts. The acting in the film is very very well done. Rockwell, who I always enjoyed, does a terriffic job as Chuck Barris. Rockwell does show the tourture and suffering that Barris must have suffered when realizing the consequences from the people that he killed. Drew Barrymore plays her most adorable role since THE WEDDING SINGER as the loving and gentle Penny, who's is willing to immediately forgive Barris for having an affair with a different woman, but states that he is only given one more chance. Julia Roberts is average as a fellow CIA operative who meets Barris on some of the assignment locations while they have a steamy affair. Roberts does some of the most bizarre love-making moves I have yet to see on film. And Clooney does a very impressive job playing the cold, calm, and witty Agent Byrd. Clooney proves that he can play a dark villan in CONFESSIONS, just as good as the sensitive man role in SOLARIS. I've been telling people for the last three years that Clooney is a highly talented man, and thankfully, 2002 is the year where I am proven right with both SOLARIS and CONFESSIONS. Although CONFESSIONS is very well done for it's directing style, fast pacing, good acting, and great story with dialogue (written by Charlie Kaufman). I can't see it as among the best films of 2002. Don't get me wrong, it is very well done and enjoyable, but from the other films that are coming out within the next three weeks (GANGS OF NEW YORK, CHICAGO, THE TWO TOWERS, etc.) I think CONFESSIONS will be overshadowed by the other films. But if CONFESSIONS will prove anything, it's that: 1.) Sam Rockwell can carry a leading role by himself and do a darn good job with it. 2.) George Clooney is a very good director with style and look and he can have a very good career with directing. 3.) Chuck Barris is not going to be famous for just for being the host of "The Gong Show" anymore. CONFESSIONS is a very entertaining film, and just like Tom Hank's THAT THING YOU DO! it's a "welcome to directing a film," for a talented actor. ***** (out of five)
Review of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
