Bestseller

People rush over themselves to praise Al Pacino and Robert De Niro so much that some other great actors who made an impact in the 1970s get overlooked. James Caan is one name that immediately springs to mind, and James Woods is another. Both have appeared in some sub-standard stuff over the years (as have Pacino and De Niro for that matter), but at their best they were/are as good as anybody working today. Twenty years ago Woods starred in one of my all time favourite movies David Cronenberg's stunning 'Videodrome'. He'd already been around for years getting solid character parts but I thought after 'Videodrome', and subsequently co-starring with De Niro in Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon A Time In America', he was going to be recognized as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Sadly for some reason this just didn't happen. Even so I highly recommend underrated 1980s Woods movies like 'Cop', 'The Boost' and this one, 'Best Seller', for some of his greatest performances. The movie itself occasionally gets a bit cheesy in an 80s kind of way, especially the synth score from Jay Ferguson, but overall it's a cut above a lot of similar movies from the period. Director John Flynn had previously made the seriously underrated revenge classic 'Rolling Thunder', and the movie was scripted by exploitation legend Larry Cohen ('Black Caesar', 'Q', 'Maniac Cop', 'The Stuff'). 'Best Seller' isn't quite as good as 'Rolling Thunder', but it's a must see because of Woods, who is just terrific. No-one can play intense like Woods with the possible exception of Christopher Walken. Brian Dennehy is also very good, and Paul Shenar (Sosa from 'Scarface') makes a great villain. Also keep an eye out for a blink and you'll miss it cameo by Seymour Cassel ('In The Soup') as a hired goon. I can't say that 'Best Seller' is one of the greatest thrillers I've ever seen, but it's definitely worth your time, and James Woods playing misunderstood psycho hitman Cleve is an experience not to be missed!

6. BEST-SELLER (action, 1987) In 1972, Policeman Meechum (Brian Dennehy) survives an armed robbery, which in turn inspires him to write a book about his ordeal. It becomes a best seller. Years later he meets Cliff (James Woods), a mysterious loner who saves his life. Cliff knows many personal things about Meechum's life and tells him that he can provide him with another assured best seller. In order for Meechum to believe him, Cliff takes him on a tour of his previous work as a hit-man. An uneasy alliance is formed, as Cliff's darkest secrets reveal his own.

Critique: There are many reasons to like Best-Seller. It has a good, entertaining premise (a rogue assassin on the loose), the moody cinematography (another Adam Greenberg job), and displays a strong performance from the always reliable Brain Dennehy. But best of all, it has what I consider to be James Woods' best role to date.

This capriciously underrated 1-time character-actor has given excellent performances in many films including: the sleazy TV-producer in David Cronenberg's interesting, albeit obscured masterpiece 'Videodrome' (1983), his red-neck southerner in 'The Onion Field' (1979-his breakthrough film), and in Oliver Stone's sadly neglected 'Salvador' (1986- for which he received an Academy Nominee).

In most of his films, Woods has specialized in playing low-life has-beens, who have few redeeming qualities. The only fault I saw in his earlier roles was immaturity, and the lack thereof of making his characters work. In Best-Seller, he plays it cool. The character of Cliff knows what he wants and how to get it, and proves himself worthy of Meechum's respect. What better actor to give us a tour through the life of a criminal, hit-man, sleaze-ball, all-nice guy?

QUOTES: Cliff: "Will power is what distinguishes the amateur from the professional. Do you have it Dennis? Will power?..Let's hope so."

This is a thoroughly enjoyable B movie that came and went quickly from the big screen back in the late 80's. I happened to catch it then--and now own it in my movie collection.

Woods plays Cleve, a brilliant and perhaps psychotic former hit-man, who wants Dennis, a cop turned author (Brian Dennehy), to write his story. He also wants to expose his former employers. Cleve ensures Dennis that the book will be a "Best Seller" and begins taking Dennis on a lurid tour of his former hits.

Like most films, this doesn't transfer quite as well onto the small screen, but it is still well worth the viewing; (plus you get to hear James Woods warble a tune in French). Actually, Woods is way cool in this film, and delivers some of his most compelling work ever. Brian Dennehy pulls off the tough task of making the writer character equally interesting and compelling. An unlikely buddy film that has plenty of action, makes you care, and quite simply--works.

"Best Seller" is essentially a two character movie. On one hand there is Brian Dennehy as a veteran cop who also writes crime novels based on real events. On the other hand there is James Woods as a professional killer who has been spurned by his former employer (Paul Shenar). He seeks out Dennehy to try to convince him to write his story of how a now rich and powerful magnate rose to the top over the bodies of others.

The first part of the movie involves Woods trying to convince Dennehy that his story is on the level. The second part of the story covers Shenar's attempts to intimidate Woods and Dennehy and prevent the publication of Dennehy's book.

Woods and Dennehy play off of each other marvelously. Woods is cold and calculating as the hit man and Dennehy is torn between his sworn duty as a cop and his desire to get to the truth.

"Best Seller" is not for the faint of heart. There are scenes of graphic violence, which I feel are necessary within the context of the story. The film is worth a look if for nothing else than to watch two veteran performers at their best.

James Woods plays a hit man named Cleve, who contacts a successful true crime author & former cop Dennis Meechum(played by Brian Dennehy) who got his start after he was the sole survivor of a deadly holdup at the police evidence department years earlier. Cleve wants Dennis to write his life story, which he feels is most interesting, and as a way to get back at his former employer, a powerful corporation he helped build. Meechum is intrigued but also skeptical, so Cleve takes him on a tour of his past, both with his parents and also his "assignments". Dennis learns that Cleve has a deeper connection to him than he realizes, and that some powerful forces don't want this proposed book published...

Little-seen thriller is quite well done, with fine acting by the leads, and efficient direction and story. Almost goes wrong toward the end with the expected violent finale, but is still exciting enough to compensate, with the well-plotted story unfolding most effectively.

Worth catching on DVD.