 CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND
MPAA Rating:
 for language, sexual content and violenceReviewed by: Megan Basham CONTRIBUTOR
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Fred Savage | Directed by: George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh | Produced by: Andrew Lazar, Steven Reuther | Written by: Charlie Kaufman, Chuck Barris | Distributor: Miramax I don't want to devote too much time to this thoroughly perverse piece of filmmaking, but I would like to offer the following warning: When you hear the hype this film is receiving from mainstream critics, don't buy it - there is nothing uplifting in this self-aggrandizing, self-pitying, often-pornographic account of game-show creator Chuck Barris' life. Unfortunately, Hollywood often equates a movie's willingness to explore the ugliest aspects of humanity with some kind of courageous artistry (nevermind that portraying truth and beauty is an infinitely more difficult task). What is most upsetting is that screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) and first-time director George Clooney do have talent; they've just chosen to waste it on a project that offers a sly, cinematic wink at a parade of wickedness.
Backing up Rockwell, both Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts turn in exceptional performances, with Barrymore providing the film's only true bright spot. Though her character is promiscuous and somewhat needy, she succeeds in giving Barris' girlfriend, Penny, a degree of innocence and vulnerability. As for Clooney, he plays CIA Agent Jim Byrd with his usual measured, hard-tongued delivery. The only difference between this character and those he played in Ocean's Eleven and The Perfect Storm is that here he has a moustache. Famous for catering to lowest common denominator, Barris struck a chord with the American people, and seems to have hated himself for it. Perhaps that's why he created his mercenary alter-ego. Or maybe he just saw another opportunity to laugh behind the audience's back all the way to the bank. Sex, vulgarity, and degradation - Chuck Barris knew how to give the people what they want. And so, apparently, does George Clooney. Year of Release—2002 
Negative - This movie was disgusting! In the first ten minutes there are several references to sex between children, an EXPLICIT sex scene, and the most foul and offensive language possible. The main characters time is spent looking for sex at amusement parks and speaking of his wasted life. A very sad world view. Positive — You know, I agree with the comment made by Kirstin that this man's
life was wasted. And I think Chuck Barris knows this. He knows and says in
the movie that he really didn't contribute anything to anybody in his
whole life. He is a constant screw up, he makes terrible decisions, and
there is no epiphany to rescue him from any of this. I think that could be
the reason Barris made up all this mumbo jumbo about being a spy. The man just gets more and more pathetic. By the way, I really liked this movie a lot. I realize that many people will say, "I
didn't like it, because there was really no one to root for. The main
character is horrid." I agree, and, uh, that's kind of the point. To me
this film served as a warning against taking Chuck's path. He never bothers to build relationships, he just
tries to see what he can ge. About the film itself: Clooney did a fabulous job directing.
All of the acting is good, but Sam Rockwell is brilliant. He is
absolutely flawless in this picture. It is a shame that there are only 5
nominees for Best Actor, because Sam Rockwell really should be one of them.
As for the content, there are many shots of male rear ends (I was not
offended, I was amused more, but I supposed not everyone will appreciate
Sam Rockwell's behind) and there is quite a bit of sexual content, though
no female nudity. There is also quite a bit of bad language, more than the usual in a
Kaufman screenplay. Also, there are a lot of jokes that guys will find amusing, but girls
won't. Sorry, it's the truth. I completely understand that point of view, but I must add that this film was no more
disgusting, in fact it was less disgusting, than any of the Austin Powers movies. Overall, I thought the film was funny,witty and clever, and sad, pathetic, and to a certain degree, dark. I
still maintain that it is a warning to that kind of lifestyle. Just because Chuck Barris is a sad-sack loser doesn't mean he can't be funny. Negative — This was a very immoral film laden with illicit sex and
profanities. There were at least two negative references to our Lord
Jesus which would seem amusing to the unsaved but make any true Christian
cringe. We were mislead by non-Christian reviews. Stay away from this
film if you want to keep a clear conscience. My wife and were sorry to have seen it
and repented. Negative — I do not recommend this film. I was offended at the explicit sex
scenes, bad language, and negative topics of conversation throughout the
film. Aside from this, the mood of the film was depressing and worldly.
There was nothing uplifting included. Negative — This movie was disturbing to say the least it had sex scene after
sex scene, foul language thoughout and Christ was mocked one too many
times. On top of that the character seemed to take pleasure from killing
others without any major consequences. He tells his bride on their wedding
day that he has killed many people she laughs and he laughs end of story.
What a tragic life. I was in shock and should have walked out of the
theatre after the first 5 minutes of the film, but thought it would get
better... it only got worse. I spent most of the time covering my ears
and averting my eyes from the screen. Had to confess my stupidity for
staying later on that night. Please don't waste your money this movie is
immoral from start to finish. |
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The film opens with a back-shot of a naked man who begins to reminisce about the sexual advances he made on a young girl when he was in grade school. This raunchy tone continues throughout Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, which stars Sam Rockwell as game-show creator extraordinaire, Chuck Barris. If humiliation-based reality shows like "American Idol: and "Joe Millionaire" are an annoyance to you, this is the man you have to thank for it. Based on Barris' highly suspect autobiography of the same name, the film accepts that, while piloting new television genres, the man behind "The $1.98 Beauty Pageant" was also a hit man for the CIA.
Perhaps they should have re-titled it, Confessions of a Deluded Mind. Yet for all the incredulity the plot inspires, the film works--giving even the most skeptic viewers a moment of "Well, what if..?" This is based in large part on Rockwell's astounding performance. Long undervalued as a character performer in movies like Galaxy Quest and Charlie's Angels, Rockwell has sadly found his "break" with the most offensive material possible.