Like many inside-Hollywood movies, this film sometimes assumes its audience knows more than it does. This is in direct opposition to the way most of the other Hollywood movies, which assumes the audience knows next to nothing. The difference is that these inside-Hollywood movies tend to rely too much on jokes and clever asides that only make sense to someone involved with the making of movies. I'm sure Albert Brooks was clapping himself on the back after he turned this script in to the studio. Trouble is, most of us DON'T make movies. I know, Hollywood, it's tough to comprehend, isn't it?
Anyway, Brooks is a struggling screenwriter who's seen better days. The studio is releasing him from his lucrative contract and says he's over the hill and has lost his edge. Luckily, Brooks has best pal Jeff Bridges (not playing himself) to offer him a way out: a muse. Now, it's time to suspend your belief...Enter Sharon Stone, playing an elegant, presumptuous, magnanimous dilettante, who offers to 'inspire' Brooks to help him regain that valuable edge. Is she a muse or not? She needs to be put up at the Four Seasons, then their guest house, then their bedroom. She has specific dietary requirements. She's finicky about everything. And while she's supposed to be helping poor Albert, she's spending more time with everyone else - including Brooks' wife, Andie MacDowell!
How much you like this movie will depend on your tolerance of Albert Brooks. He's still the poor man's Woody Allen, but his humor can be both dead-on and deadening. Go with the premise, and you'll be a happier viewer.
Anyway, Brooks is a struggling screenwriter who's seen better days. The studio is releasing him from his lucrative contract and says he's over the hill and has lost his edge. Luckily, Brooks has best pal Jeff Bridges (not playing himself) to offer him a way out: a muse. Now, it's time to suspend your belief...Enter Sharon Stone, playing an elegant, presumptuous, magnanimous dilettante, who offers to 'inspire' Brooks to help him regain that valuable edge. Is she a muse or not? She needs to be put up at the Four Seasons, then their guest house, then their bedroom. She has specific dietary requirements. She's finicky about everything. And while she's supposed to be helping poor Albert, she's spending more time with everyone else - including Brooks' wife, Andie MacDowell!
How much you like this movie will depend on your tolerance of Albert Brooks. He's still the poor man's Woody Allen, but his humor can be both dead-on and deadening. Go with the premise, and you'll be a happier viewer.