Introduction Best Seller
Here's an introduction to the movie 'Best Seller': "Released in 1987, Best Seller is a crime thriller film directed by John Flynn. The movie is set against the backdrop of the publishing world in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. At its core, the story revolves around a struggling novelist named Harris Teper (played by Brian Dennehy), who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of crime and deception when he agrees to write a book about a contract killer known only as "Lester Fresh". As Harris delves deeper into his research on Lester's life, he begins to uncover dark secrets that threaten not only his own life but also those around him. Meanwhile, the police are hot on the trail of a serial killer who is using Lester's methods to commit their murders. Best Seller was inspired by real-life events and takes its title from the concept of a 'best seller', referring both to the novel being written about Lester Fresh as well as the film itself, which explores themes of violence, corruption, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. The movie features strong performances from its cast, including James Woods in the iconic role of Lester Fresh. Overall, Best Seller is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end."
Plot and Themes Best Seller
"Best Seller" is a 1987 American thriller film directed by John Flynn. The movie follows the story of Bruce Roberts (Brian Dennehy), an aspiring author who becomes embroiled in a series of murders. The story begins when Roberts writes a bestselling novel based on a true crime he read about in the newspaper. However, he takes creative liberties with the story and kills off several people who know too much about the actual events that inspired his book. As the bodies start piling up, a detective named Ken Klein (Madolyn Smith-Ostroff) is tasked with catching the killer. Meanwhile, Roberts' wife, Anna (Mary Riedel), becomes increasingly suspicious of her husband's involvement in the murders. Throughout the film, themes of obsession, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction are explored. The movie also touches on the idea that fame can corrupt people and lead them to commit heinous crimes in order to maintain their success. Overall, "Best Seller" is a gripping thriller with a complex plot and intriguing characters. It's a must-see for fans of true crime stories and psychological thrillers.
Performance and Direction Best Seller
"Best Seller" (1987) is a comedy-thriller directed by John Flynn, starring Brian Dennehy as Tommy 'Birdman' Mullins, a former hitman who goes into hiding after a job gone wrong. The film also features Madeline Stowe as Karen Gulli, the daughter of a wealthy businessman who hires Tommy to write a bestselling novel. **Acting Performances:** 1. Brian Dennehy: Dennehy gives a standout performance as Tommy 'Birdman' Mullins. He brings a sense of gritty realism to the role, making it believable that this former hitman is struggling to adapt to civilian life. His character's dry wit and sarcasm add humor to the film. 2. Madeline Stowe: Stowe plays Karen Gulli with a level of sophistication and charm that makes her character an attractive target for Tommy's affections. Her chemistry with Dennehy works well on screen, making their romance believable despite the unusual circumstances. **Direction:** 1. John Flynn: Flynn does an excellent job in capturing the gritty atmosphere of the film's settings, from the run-down bars to the seedy underworld. His use of shadows and lighting adds a sense of tension to the film, which suits the crime thriller aspect of the story. 2. Pacing: The film moves at a good pace, balancing action sequences with comedic moments effectively. Flynn handles the tone shifts well, keeping the viewer engaged throughout. However, some viewers might find the plot slightly predictable and lacking in surprises. Additionally, the ending feels rushed, with key events happening too quickly without sufficient build-up. Overall, "Best Seller" is a solid crime comedy-thriller with strong performances from its leads. While it may not break new ground in terms of originality, it's an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.
Technical Aspects Best Seller
The 1987 thriller 'Best Seller' directed by John Flynn is a highly stylized film that relies heavily on technical elements to create its tense atmosphere and suspenseful plot. Here are some key aspects of the movie's technical execution: 1. Cinematography: The cinematography in 'Best Seller' was handled by Michael G. Murphy, who used a range of techniques to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. He employed a combination of close-ups, wide shots, and long takes to keep the audience engaged and on edge. For example, during the opening scene where Robert McCall (played by Brian Dennehy) is being interviewed by a journalist, Murphy uses a series of close-ups to emphasize McCall's intense gaze and the journalist's nervous demeanor. This creates a sense of intimacy between the two characters and draws the audience in. 2. Sound Design: The sound design in 'Best Seller' plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The film features a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds that add to its tension and suspense. For instance, during the chase scene through the warehouse, Murphy uses a combination of footsteps, machinery noise, and music to create a sense of chaos and urgency. This not only heightens the emotional impact of the scene but also enhances the overall atmosphere of the film. 3. Visual Effects: The visual effects in 'Best Seller' are relatively minimal compared to modern films, but they still contribute to the overall aesthetic of the movie. For example, during the opening credits sequence, Murphy uses a series of fast cuts and quick zooms to create a sense of frenetic energy. Additionally, during the climactic showdown between McCall and his nemesis, Flynn employs some basic practical effects like smoke bombs and pyrotechnics to add to the drama of the scene. These elements combine to create an intense and visually striking conclusion to the film.
More Details Best Seller
Here's a rundown on the 1987 film "Best Seller": **Production Details** * **Cast:** James Woods, Brian Dennehy, Victoria Tennant, and Allison Balson. * **Director:** John Flynn (known for his work on "The Outfit" and "Made in America"). * **Producer:** Joel Michaels (produced several films including "Fletch" and "Young Guns"). **Production Companies** * **Orion Pictures**: A major film production company that produced a number of successful movies, including "Best Seller". * **Joel Michaels Productions**: An independent production company founded by producer Joel Michaels. **Interesting Trivia** 1. **Script Development:** The screenplay for "Best Seller" was written by Frank Baldwin (who later wrote "Fletch Lives"), and it was originally titled "The Paper Chase". The story follows a journalist who gets caught up in the world of organized crime, mirroring real-life events. 2. **James Woods' Research**: To prepare for his role as Joe Rossetti, James Woods spent several weeks researching the world of journalism and organized crime. He even went undercover to gather information from sources within the criminal underworld. 3. **Victoria Tennant's Debut:** "Best Seller" was Victoria Tennant's film debut. She went on to appear in several other movies throughout her career, including "The Golden Child" (1984) and "Warlock" (1989). 4. **Brian Dennehy's Performance**: Brian Dennehy received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the crime lord, Eddie Mercado. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. 5. **Cinematography:** The film was shot by cinematographer Fred Murphy (known for his work on "The Outfit" and "Made in America"), who used a combination of location shooting and studio sets to capture the gritty, urban atmosphere of the story. Overall, "Best Seller" is an intense and gripping thriller that explores the darker side of human nature. The cast delivers strong performances, and John Flynn's direction keeps the tension building throughout the film.
Conclusion Best Seller
Here's a potential conclusion for the movie 'Best Seller': The film 'Best Seller' is an interesting, if flawed, exploration of the darker side of ambition. On one hand, it boasts some truly impressive performances from its leads - Brian Dennehy and Elizabeth Shue bring a level of depth and nuance to their characters that elevates the entire production. On the other hand, the film's script often feels overly simplistic and heavy-handed in its portrayal of the moral consequences of success. At times, it can feel like a series of vignettes strung together rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite these weaknesses, however, 'Best Seller' remains a compelling watch thanks to its timely commentary on the cutthroat nature of the publishing industry and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Ultimately, I would recommend this film to anyone interested in drama or true crime stories - just be prepared for some uneven pacing and heavy-handed moralizing.