Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

My Review

“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” is a story of game show host and producer Chuck Barris and his claim to have been a spy and assassin for the CIA in addition to his show business career. It has been denied by the CIA and not confirmed or denied firmly by Barris himself, but is in his “unauthorized autobiography” of the same name, published in 1984.

The film is entertaining enough, with good direction by George Clooney in his debut behind the camera, with a well written screenplay by Charlie Kaufman. Sam Rockwell is convincing as Barris, who created and produced games shows like “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game,’ as well as hosting “The Gong Show.”

The supporting cast includes George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Rutger Hauer, Jerry Weintraub, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Kind, and Brad Pitt as Bachelor #1 and Matt Damon as Bachelor #2. “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” is watchable entertainment on DVD, but did not do well in theatrical release for Miramax Films.