Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is a 2002 drama film directed by George Clooney. It is based on a book by Chuck Barris and adapted by Charlie Kaufman.
Plot
The movie tells the "true" life story of Chuck Barris, who was a hit game show host by day, and, according to Barris's autobiography, a CIA hitman by night. Barris was in large part responsible for the creation of several of the early "trash" game shows, including The Dating Game, The Gong Show, and The Newlywed Game, which the movie portrays as the beginnings of TV exploiting the humiliation of the often feeble-minded and attention-deprived for public entertainment. Simultaneously, the movie portrays Barris's "other life" as an assassin, using his visits to Europe as a chaperone for Dating Game prize winners as a cover for his murderous deeds. While portraying Barris's alleged CIA exploits in an almost comic-book style, the movie does not explicitly state them to be false. It also features pieces to camera from a number of Barris's real-life friends and colleagues.
Reviews and response
The movie was generally well-received by critics, with Clooney's direction and Rockwell's lead performance widely praised.
Main cast
- Sam Rockwell ... as Chuck Barris
- Drew Barrymore ... as Penny
- George Clooney ... as Jim Byrd
- Julia Roberts ... as Patricia Watson
- Chuck Barris ... as Himself - Present Day