The Player – Review

Murder in Hollywood! One of those films that everyone in the industry wanted to be in, The Player brings a crackling story and phenomenal cast, with a twinge of witty satire. Funny thing is, the story and film plays out today just the same as when made 30+ years ago. It is a timeless tale of movie executives, criminal behavior, respect and even love.

What is probably way too realistic of a crime story sets the stage of tension and betrayal in the high-stress world of movie productions. Big time player Griffin Mill (Robbins) works closely with his second in command Bonnie (Stevenson) to burn through pitches and find the next “it” script for his large studio. Being such a busy executive, he sees tons of potential writers and agents daily, as well as shmoozing with the elite actors and producers at parties in the hills.

25 words or less may not be much to pitch a movie, but it’s typically what Griffin gives his audience. He’ll get back to them, he promises emptily. This is pretty typical for the world of Hollywood, but what if one writer took it personally? As Mill starts receiving threatening messages, it adds a layer of stress to his producing world, especially as new hotshot Larry Levy (Gallagher) has just been hired away from Fox.

The Player is just a great script, for so many reasons. The parts play off each other so well to form a great cohesive final product. It is both fun and diabolical. There is no way everyone in it didn’t have a total blast finding their characters also, or making a bit appearance as themselves in one of the many cameos.

This film opens with an over 8-minute tracking shot, as well as displays all sorts of amazing movie-making techniques in clever ways. While it does deconstruct Hollywood annoyances with its humor, it is still a stellar film about the love of making movies.

Just remember: Movies! Now, more than ever.