ajakusev Haven't read the synopsis or heard anything about the film before watching it, thought it was going to be more in lieu of the buddy cop genre. Turns out I was very wrong, thematically the movie is a lot more like the American Psycho, but dressed with the genuinely 80s cinematography and score and if that's your thing, you'll love it. Not to reveal too much of the movie's gist I'll just say that the casting is f***ing spot on. Also, paralleling the American Psycho, James Woods' character and his cruel and vain antics come across almost comedy-worth funny in this otherwise intentionally serious and dramatic movie. Loved it. Another case of dumb IMDb rating drowning an otherwise great film.

videorama-759-859391 I love films with different ideas or an interesting title to boot. Best Seller has both that, although Wood's kill count does get a bit annoying, or is too much. If you can remember Dennehy and Woods worked on another film years earlier, Split Image. Both fine actors, real good friends off set, work well together, yet in this cop tale with an almost unique spin put on it for it's time, here they're enemies who do slowly become friends, of course Dennehy taking longer time to warm up to Woods. Cleve (Woods, great as usual) was was involved in a police heist, where Dennehy's partner, was killed. Cut several years later, Dennis (Dennehy) now an ex cop, who's also a novelist, is approached by Cleve, who wants revenge, against the guys who screwed him. He asks Dennis to work with him, giving him his people on a platter while also giving him heaps info, for him to write a book on him and the baddies. Dennehy, also grasping an opportunity to gain revenge. It's no holds barred, Woods, even pestered by Dennehy to meet his parents. As you know, to write non fiction, a lot of research is involved. Somehow, I found this movie, utterly enjoyable from beginning to end, on the account it's different, although I enjoyed Wood's other film at the time, Cop, more. They're are some unpredictabilities in the characters, which I found engrossing, with an end I found tragic, on Woods's behalf. Wood's character especially, is a dangerous guy you don't underestimate, as you really don't know what this dude's capable of. And as I'll reiterate, Wood's excessive use of violence by gun, kind of spoils it. It was fun, watching Cleve itching to know or being suggestive of how the books going, it's overused title, a bit of a let down. One scene that really didn't make sense, was Woods barging into Dennehy's agents bedroom, and tearing up her wardrobe, getting fresh and dangerous with her. Check out the fitting song too. It's not bad. Watch Cop, then this.

namashi_1 'Best Seller' is A Well-Acted Film! Lead Stars James Woods & Brian Dennehy pitch in great performances. 'Best Seller' tells the story of A career hit-man, who wants to turn his life story into a book written by a veteran police officer and best-selling author.'Best Seller' is an above-average film. Its got an interesting premise & it manages to hold your attention in the first-hour. The second-hour dips considerably & even the culmination to this story, is plain ordinary. The Screenplay is a mixed bag. John Flynn's Direction is good.James Woods & Brian Dennehy are the life of 'Best Seller'. Woods is fantastic as the hit-man, while Dennehy is matured as the veteran cop/author. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, as well.On the whole, 'Best Seller' is packed with decent merits.

Maziun "Bestseller" is essentially a two character movie. This interesting movie mainly hinges on the often antagonistic relationship between two strong personalities – Ex-cop who is famous writer ( Brian Dennehy) and ex-hit-man ( James Woods).The chemistry between them is exquisite. The way Dennehy's character bonds with Wood's character despite the intense anger he feels towards him is very well done. You could cut the tension between them with a knife. The two worked off each other impeccably and build a sympathetic, but also conflicting edge that never feels forced. Both Dennehy and Woods gave quite possibly the best performances of their lives. Dennehy is great as stubborn , brave and honest hero. Woods is intriguing as a psychopath with pride in his workmanship , but also as a man who seeks redemption.The screenplay unfortunately isn't a brilliant one. There is a very strong subtext about portraying a dark side of corporations and capitalism . You could say that Woods character has it's own (dark) vision of the American Dream. "Bestseller" also tries to ask important questions: Why Woods became a monster ? Is he bad person or a good person who lost his way ? Too bad that the movie never tries to answer to this questions. The motivation for Woods to work with Dennehy is also rather weak. On the good side – the "twist" appears in the middle of the movie and that's a good thing. Also the ending isn't 100% predictable.There are some effective moments of very nasty violence , but they all are necessary , so I don't mind them. The synthesizer score composed by Jay Ferguson is ugly sounding. I've already praised both Dennehy and Woods . The rest of the cast is OK.Overall , it's a decent thriller. I think that with a far better screenplay this could be a really great movie. The premise is there , but without Dennehy and Woods it would be a weak movie. I give it 5/10.