Watching this film, I couldn't help recalling another one, "A Beautiful Mind", the story of another troubled soul that parallels, in a way, the life of the main character of this one: Chuck Barris.
It's a big stretch of the imagination to imagine the real Barris as a CIA operative, let alone, someone worth of a biopic with a screen play by Charlie Kaufman and an interesting directorial debut by George Clooney. What Mr. Kaufman seems to be doing is trying to make sense of a life that otherwise would not merit a minute of screen time.
The acting is excellent. The biggest surprise was Julia Roberts, who shows a range we haven't seen in her many forgettable movies. In the film she makes her character come alive. Also, Drew Barrymore is quite good as the girl who loves Barris unconditionally.
Of course, the film belongs to Sam Rockwell, an extraordinary actor who does great work with the material he is given. Mr. Rockwell is an interesting actor to watch. Also good, the director, George Clooney, who as the recruiter, gives a mysterious reading on the man who has enough power to get rid of enemies through his manipulation of weak individuals.
This film is will infuriate and bore viewers since the narrative is quite uneven. Also, it will elate fans of Charlie Kaufman, who keeps getting better and better as he keeps climbing to the top of his profession.
It's a big stretch of the imagination to imagine the real Barris as a CIA operative, let alone, someone worth of a biopic with a screen play by Charlie Kaufman and an interesting directorial debut by George Clooney. What Mr. Kaufman seems to be doing is trying to make sense of a life that otherwise would not merit a minute of screen time.
The acting is excellent. The biggest surprise was Julia Roberts, who shows a range we haven't seen in her many forgettable movies. In the film she makes her character come alive. Also, Drew Barrymore is quite good as the girl who loves Barris unconditionally.
Of course, the film belongs to Sam Rockwell, an extraordinary actor who does great work with the material he is given. Mr. Rockwell is an interesting actor to watch. Also good, the director, George Clooney, who as the recruiter, gives a mysterious reading on the man who has enough power to get rid of enemies through his manipulation of weak individuals.
This film is will infuriate and bore viewers since the narrative is quite uneven. Also, it will elate fans of Charlie Kaufman, who keeps getting better and better as he keeps climbing to the top of his profession.