Confessions of a Dangerous Mind - 6

This film is based on the book by Chuck Barris and adapted for the screen by Charlie Kaufman. Chuck Barris was the creator and producer of shows like The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, and The Gong Show. In his book, he claims he was a CIA assassin in his off time, when he would travel with contestants to Europe and other parts of the world. A merging of fact and fiction, the film includes interviews with actual people that he worked with that have their doubts, and Barris refuses to tip his hand, claiming that he is sticking to his story. He wrote his book in the early 80's. Sam Rockwell plays Chuck, Drew Barrymore plays his life long girl-friend, Penny. And George Clooney (who also directs) plays the CIA contact. There are also appearances by Clooney's crew from Oceans 11 and 12- Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. An interesting and well told story, which is both serious and comical. Very good use of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata in the middle and end of the film.