Review of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) by Manan I — 20 Jun 2009

When ever an actor makes a directorial debut, it's either a hit or miss but not for the gay Batman, George Clooney who slightly manages to make his a hit. Stakes are usually higher when it's a bipoic and a biopic of a man who nobody knows if he's telling the truth or not. Chuck Barris, creator of the dating game, the gong show, the newlyweds game and various other gaming shows but according to Chuck, at the same time he was a secret agent for the CIA who committed executions. The CIA have reportedly denied that any of this is true but it all comes, if he's a secret agent why would the secret be spilled out?

Renowned write Charlie Kaufman plays with Chuck's CIA claim and adds more of his fictional elements into the screenplay. Controversy came when director Clooney changed some of the script and claimed that some of the stuff Kaufman had added would never have gotten the film greenlighted. Regardless the film managed to be a moderate success. Clooney cited that previous directors he's worked with like the Coens & Steven Sodenbergh and you can see that as the film progresses. Shot like Steven Sodenbergh at the beginning and contained a Steven's trademark cast even to the point where you had Brad Pitt & Matt Damon cameoing. The film later starts to feel like a Coen brothers film especially with the trademark dark humor the Coens are known for.

Clooney begins to show weakness midway where the film just becomes lost and you often feel disengaged from it. You are often left asking what happened, random characters are being introduced out of the blue and the film is left to rely on Sam Rockwell's performance. Another problem is that for a film deals with spies & espionage, it isn't very thrilling. If they could add other fictional items why not making things a little bit more exciting? The film picks up the last quarter where Chuck's problems with the CIA and his home life come into play and the film ends on a decent note where you feel satisfied but still missing something. The true highlight of the film was Sam Rockwell.

You have to respect what Clooney went through to get Sam Rockwell casted. The studio was pushing for a big name in the lead like Johnny Depp, Ben Stiller, or Robert Downey Jr. but Clooney didn't give up on Sam. Clooney promised Miramax to produce various independent projects and even subject himself to cameo in Spy Kids 2. Sam Rockwell doesn't let Clooney down and gives a brilliant performance and for some he is basically the only reason to watch the movie. Sam Rockwell perfectly combines awkwardness, a ladies man, nerdiness and funnyness in one. It's a shame he didn't get an oscar but the film proved why Sam Rockwell is one of the best working actors out there and he even managed the popular Clooney on screen. Rockwell once again proves why he's one of my favorite actors.

In conclusion, the film is funny, entertaining but loses the interest of the viewer midway into the movie but Sam Rockwell's fantastic performance is the highlight of the movie. A performance driven movie, I suggest watching it but don't expect to be amazed or blown away by the film's quality.