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"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.

Best Seller is directed by John Flynn and written by Larry Cohen. It stars James Woods, Brian Dennehy and Victoria Tennant. Music is by Jay Ferguson and cinematography by Fred Murphy.

Cop Dennis Meechum (Dennehy) survives being shot during a robbery at the police evidence storage and writes a well received book about the events. Years later he's widowed, raising his daughter on his own and suffering from writers block as he tries to write another novel. Into his life comes Cleve (Woods), a mysterious man who saves Meechum's life and announces that he is a paid assassin and wishes Meechum to write a book about his work for a top name in industry......

Only in America Dennis.

It's a lovely hook is this, a cop and a killer paired together, their relationship explored via an uneasy buddy buddy formula, where the fruits of their partnership will bring very differing rewards. Along with the crackerjack turns from Dennehy (lovable burn-out) and Woods (cold-blooded calm), it's the smart screenplay from Cohen that makes Best Seller worthy of a rental at least. How it is going to pan out always keeps one interested in the tale, while there's clearly some snarky observations on America's lust for capital gain. Violence flits in and out to add some bloody pulp to proceedings, but ultimately it's the dialogue, the suspicious mood crafted by Flynn and characterisations that give the film its vitality.

Released in the same year as Lethal Weapon, it appears that Best Seller got lost in the slip-stream of that higher octane fuelled picture (in fact Dennehy gets to say the same "too old for this" line that Glover trademarked in Lethal Weapon). It's not on a par with Donner's movie, and it's far from perfect; the ending is a bit tamer than we would perhaps like and Paul Shenar's villain is a standard suit job, but there's good craft here on the page and on both sides of the camera. 7/10

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!

What looks like a b-grade buddy film (there were plenty around this time and usually looking to be humorous), is far from it. Director John Flynn's 'Best Seller', which was written by Larry Cohen (who makes a crackerjack combination), is actually a stark, stinging and darkly witty and violent crime caper with an out-the-shadow concept. Novel writing (mainly the sharp exchanges and character inserts) and its zesty tempo couldn't be faulted. Even with its talky core, Flynn keeps it gustily hard-boiled and rancorous with its occasional action sequences and lean suspense. Knowing that it heavily relies on the performances to be successful, Flynn sets-up the film around the pairing of James Woods and Brian Denneby. Woods effortlessly vivid and unbalanced performance frighteningly commands attention and Denneby is sensationally rock-steady. The two worked off each other impeccably and build a sympathetic, but also conflicting edge that never feels forced. Cohen's biting script illustrates and develops quite a stimulating, random and unusual relationship between the two. While his usual social commentary (quite a familiar one) and plot devices playing second fiddle to the complex arrangement. The rest of the support cast don't quite have the same impression, but Paul Shenar and Victoria Tennant are good in their roles. The weak points would have to be that of Jay Ferguson's ugly sounding synthesiser score and a mishandled conclusion. A solidly rewarding crime thriller drilled home by two tremendous lead performances.

This is an interesting, action filled, suspenseful, and violent thriller adequately narrated. Concerns L. A. Detective/bestselling author with writer's block Meechum (Brian Dennehy) is a burnt-out wreck whose sideline as a crime novelist has dried up since his wife's death; he, nowadays, lives only with his daughter Holly (Allison Balson). Sleazy, amoral hit-man Cleve (James Woods) steps out of Meechum's past and offers him the dirt on his ex-boss Madlock (Paul Shenar), major league criminal turned legitimate corporation chief. Along the way, Cleve is a cold murderer who carries out grisly killings without mercy and in cold blood, but he now wants his own story written. The deal is that Meechum gets to write again and Cleve gets to be the hero of a hard-hitting exposé of Madlock's bloodstained past. Both of whom move towards a grudging respect for their manic alter ego. A hired assassin, a cop turned author, together they're rewriting the rulebook on the Mob !. Writing A Book Is Easy. Writing A Best Seller Is Murder. If words could kill...

This Larry Cohen-scripted thriller reworks the old idea of the symbiotic relationship between a killer and a policeman, adding a new twist. A superbly gritty thriller in which Dennehy is pretty good as the jaded cop and he is paired well with the psychotic Woods. It's a tense and engagingly movie, some ignored in the Eighties, but now better regarded than the past. Furthermore, an explosive finale, violently proceeded with bloody images and a lot of crossfire. Tough action, hardboiled dialogue and tightly constructed storyline keep the action bloody and crisp, while the jaundiced swipes at American capitalism are laced with cynism. Unfortunately, the potentially breathtaking confrontation between two-fisted James Woods and convincing Brian Dennehy never quite lives up to expectations. A solid main cast, and the veteran supporting actors help, including several known secondaries, such as: Victoria Tennat, Paul Shenar, George Coe and brief appearances from Seymour Cassel, Kathleen Lloyd and Charles Tyner.

Flynn's lean shooting achieves a gritty B film edge as sparks fly, adding an exciting musical score in 80s style by Jay Ferguson. Craftsman director John Flynn made nice films, though some of them sunk in obscurity, and he gave notable performances to Rod Steiger (The sergeant), Jan-Michael Vincent(Defiance), Silvester Stallone (Lock-up) and even Steven Seagal (Out of justice); here he gave immense credibility to Brian Dennehy and James Woods. Flynn began to work as a second unit director and film assistant on such features as "Kid Galahad," "Two for the Seesaw," and "The Great Escape." Soon after, Flynn made his debut with the unknown "The Sergeant" with Rod Steiger. He went on with the equally little seen "The Jerusalem File." John scored his first substantial commercial hit: "The Outfit" with a star-studded cast and providing an awesome acting from Robert Duval. Flynn achieved his greatest enduring cult popularity with the really strong and potent vendetta thriller winner "Rolling Thunder" with William Devane. His subsequent movies are likewise solid and worthwhile; they include the thrilling urban vigilante opus "Defiance," the sturdy Sylvester Stallone prison drama "Lock Up," a Steven Seagal action vehicle "Out for Justice," and the nifty virtual reality horror outing "Brainscan." John did two made-for-cable-TV pictures in the early 90s: "Nails" and the acceptable crime drama "Scam." His last film was the passable direct-to-video mobster item "Protection". ¨Best Seller¨ rating : 6.5/10. Good, the result is an enjoyable outing of action thriller genre.

I watched this because imdb users rated it well, and I wasn't disappointed. The casting of woods and brian dennehy is perfect which helps to make the story of an ex-hitman telling his story to cop-turned-author believable. Scenes at woods" boyhood home, and his parents also help; Woods" ex-hitman character is written and played as a real, multi-dimensional person, not as a stereotype.. The scene about the gift in the plane and his wanting to befriend dennehy, are quite touching.

Brief Synopsis - A detective who wrote a best selling novel about a crime he helped foil is approached by a man who wants to be the focus of his next book since he claims to be a hitman who has killed hundreds for his boss.

My Take on it - This is yet another film that I recall really enjoying as a kid when I saw it numerous times on cable.

Unfortunately, it doesn't stand up so well nearly 30 years later.

The premise is actually a very good one, but the performances and script feel quite subdued.

I would have expected a story with this kind of premise to be more thrilling and exciting to watch, but instead it moves along at a pretty slow pace.

I have always been a fan of both Brian Dennehy and James Woods, but neither does enough here to grab our attention.

The premise of a writer living out the story of his next book isn't a new one and there are numerous films that have done this much better than they have managed to do here.

There are some scenes that feel quite 1980's which must have made it better back then,but couldn't carry over to now.

It was funny to see Alisson Balson who played Nancy Oleson from Little House on the Prairie featured here as Dennehey's daughter.

Star Power aside, there's not much here: two capable leads and a script that fails both of them. The relationship between the two characters killed this for me. James Woods spends most of the movie convincing block-headed Brian Dennehy that the conspiracy is real, and that quarrel gets old fast. There's some intrigue in the third act and a tense(ish) standoff, but also plenty of logical gaps in the story. And that's disappointing.

This movie is disturbing. Starts out almost as a "procedural" but grows more thrilling as you begin to discover what the Woods character really is. I identified with the Dennehy character, with his initial skepticism, and growing realization that Woods is what he said he is, and worse. Woods nails the role, the psychopath with pride in his workmanship, with a three dimensional performance that is gripping and frightening. Dennehy is wonderful in the complementary role. The chemistry between them is exquisite. I think this movie will, in time, receive more recognition.

Both James Woods and Brian Dennehy seem uncomfortable with a script that appears to be underdeveloped. There are way too many unanswered questions relating to who knew how to show up at just the right time at just the right location. The fact that Dennehy goes flying all over the country. leaving his sixteen year old daughter alone, is a real stretch. And speaking of the daughter, played by Allison Balson,her performance can only be described as unbelievable, and not in a good way either. Victoria Tennent's relationship with Dennehy is another loose end that is really never explored. "Best Seller" is nothing more than a very contrived script, with two good actors mostly wasted. - MERK

Writer Larry Cohen concocts this interesting, entertaining movie that mainly hinges on the often antagonistic relationship between two strong personalities. Brian Dennehy stars as Dennis Meechum, a cop who also writes books based on true crime stories, who is approached by Cleve (James Woods), a professional hit-man for an unscrupulous businessman, David Madlock (Paul Shenar). The hit-man feels inadequately compensated for his years of service, and is now an incredibly disgruntled ex-employee, enough to approach the cop / author to propose writing a book that reveals all the ugly details of the businessman's rise to the top. Capably directed by action specialist John Flynn ("Rolling Thunder", "Lock Up", "Out for Justice"), "Best Seller" tells a pretty good story in slick enough fashion, with some effective moments of very nasty violence. It also has very strong subtext about portraying a dark side to capitalism and corporations, as well as Cleve's own very dark version of The American Dream. It's well paced, with some potent scenes that establish what kind of man Cleve is. Yet, for a man who most of the time comes off as pure scum, he has definite intelligence and a real presence, and in the end does have a redemptive quality; it's the kind of role meant for an actor of Woods's abilities, and he plays it for all it's worth. But Dennehy is equally his match as the dedicated cop both disgusted with and intrigued by his new associate. Appealing Allison Balson plays Dennis's daughter, although supporting players Shenar and Victoria Tennant ultimately end up with not that much to do, and Shenar's character is not what you'd call subtle. Other fine players in the movie include George Coe, Anne Pitoniak, Mary Carver, Sully Boyar, Kathleen Lloyd, and Charles Tyner, with a too brief, uncredited appearance by Seymour Cassel as one of the bodyguards. Reasonably engrossing, with an ending that at least isn't 100% predictable, although some viewers may not find it terribly satisfying. But the interplay between two experienced and reliable movie stars makes it all worthwhile. Seven out of 10.

A good cast, James Woods in particular, and an intriguing premise were the main reasons for seeing 'Best Seller'. Seeing it a few days ago, 'Best Seller' turned out to be a good film with many great things with a few elements that bring it down somewhat.

Woods himself is the film's best asset. Everything about him in 'Best Seller' is just mesmerising to watch, he epitomises cool, charisma and intensity. Brian Dennehy is dependably solid as rocks, a great performance that is more than up to Woods' level. Another reason why 'Best Seller' works as well as it does is the chemistry between Dennehy and Woods, which is electric. Paul Shenar has somewhat of a standard role but he brings an intimidating unscrupulousness that makes him effective in it. Victoria Tennant is good.

'Best Seller' has a stylish and gritty visual look that makes it aesthetically pleasing. Larry Cohen takes a break from the quirky horror that he is better known for and shows that he is just as deft in thriller with a witty, intelligent and sharply observed script. John Flynn directs with the right amount of tension, keeping things at a brisk pace, not losing the effectiveness of the visual style and is pretty nifty with the action. The action is not tame, pretty hard-edged actually, neither is it gratuitous.

For all 'Best Seller's' excellent things, there are short-comings. The music score is tacky and is stylistically at odds with the film. For a film that did such a good job with its atmosphere, 'Best Seller' was deserving of a much better ending than the rushed and too pat and safe one here.

While a vast majority of the cast are fine, there is one exception...that exception is a rather annoying Alison Balson.

Overall, a good film that sells well. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Full disclosure: My wife rated this an 8, but since I am writing the review, it gets my rating! There is a lot to like here, but the screenplay / plot / script is much weaker than the rest of the film. It has an engaging premise and great acting from Dennehy and especially Woods, but it seems that several transition and explanatory scenes must have been left on the cutting floor. For example, Dennehy forces Woods to keep proving that he's the bad guy when any normal person can see that early on, so these scenes seem pointless to the viewer. What I realized afterwards is that in the original story Dennehy didn't need more convincing but was stringing Woods along trying to build a case against him. The fact that the filmmakers couldn't get that across means that they lost an opportunity for natural tension and made up for it with more obvious stuff. There are other weak storytelling features that really hurt the film, and it is violent. It's worth seeing for Woods and Dennehy and the gritty 80s vibe.

A cop who is also a novelist is having writers block while also hating his job. Then a man appears to be following him and his daughter, who turns out to be a hitman that wants to give him real-life material for his next book.

Yes it's a buddy movie of sorts. Played a little different than most. No laughs for this one. It is a serious crime drama.

James Woods and Brian Dennehy are both good although not award worthy. But the movie plays out well scene to scene. Never knowing where it is going next.

I bought the VHS tape of this movie a long time ago but never watched it. Don't even remember why I bought it. Finally watched it online. It is a good movie, not great. But worth watching.

Maybe this might have worked better it had been made in the 1990s when conspiracy theories were all the rage , you see Cleve claims to be a hitman for a corporate company while policeman Dennis has him down as either a common criminal or a Walter Mitty type . So with this type of premise you`ve a ready made buddy type of film that were popular in the late 80s when BEST SELLER was made . But then it mutates into a violent thriller as the plot unfolds which is slightly off putting . It`s still worth watching though if only for the always good performances of Woods and Dennehy

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 one has not aged well. The music, mood and atmosphere all feel dated and weightless. Woods is more intimidating in real life than he is here as a killer(?) who tracks women around and stares at them in menacing way. There is a subplot involving a dirty senator from the past and Brian Dennehy gets dragged along for the ride. Why? Well he's and ex cop and now a writer and Woods wants him to chronicle his life and deeds for posterity as the roll through the city leaving a trail of bodies. I think. It's remarkable how slow this moves and how empty it feels. It's about an inch deep. "Why don't you just be a good cop and leave the killing to me." barks Woods near the end. Inch and a half.

242: Best Seller. An 80s and I do mean very 80s movie about a cop who doubles as an author who has his life invaded by a professional hit man who wants him to write a memoir of his life. He worked with a corporation to take out the competition. It could have been an interestingly done movie. As I was watching the credits, I saw that this movie had been written by the great Larry Cohen. Alright now I'm on board with an interesting plot and a great script writer. Was I in for a treat? Nope. No I wasn't. I later found out that the director John Flynn had heavily rewritten the script. It felt like it. This movie did not feel like a Larry Cohen film. This felt like a generic action film from the 80s with a very genial performance from James Woods. He was fairly good in this movie. This is hokey and then it takes a meta moment where James Woods asks Brian Dennehy to make him sympathetic in the book and eventually he becomes a more sympathetic person in the movie itself. I imagine there are moments here that clearly came from Larry Cohen's mind. That is probably one of them. The other performances in the movie leave a lot to desired including Brian Dennehy. He was a dull main character and he paled in comparison to James Woods even when they start to go for those odd couple moments. Overall this is a movie that can be missed and no one would even know it. I give this movie a D.

This is a great movie. James Woods is brilliant as is Brian Dennehy and they work extremely well together. The plot is original. It moves quickly the one regret I have in regard to the movie is that it wasn't longer. The way Dennehy's character bonds with Wood's character despite the intense anger he feels towards him is very well done. What makes the movie great is the performance of both actors. It would be nice to see them in another project together. The supporting actors all do a great job as well. The late Paul Shenar was very good as Madlock. The pace of the film varies but I think that works well for it. Sadly the DVD version doesn't have any special features.

This is something a little different which is always welcomed.

I have watched it a few times over the years and can never make up my mind if the story is good or the acting or both. My gut instinct tells me its that acting (or the actors) that do the winning here.

Both actors put in the performances you would expect if you are familiar with their work.

Its worth your time especially if you enjoy the feel of movies from this era.