Best Seller

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 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.

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.

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."

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.