Buried somewhere in this jumbled mess of a movie is the kernel of a provocative idea about ethics and plagiarism and the difference between fiction and reality. The title refers to a new book written by Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid), who is reading excerpts (which are dramatized) to an assembled group of rapt aficionados in Manhattan, including a predatory Columbia University grad student (Olivia Wilde). Hammond begins by describing ambitious Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper), who yearns to be a great writer, like Ernest Hemingway. Struggling Rory is married to an adoring wife, Dora (Zoe Saldana), who—on their honeymoon in Paris—buys him a battered briefcase. When the couple return home to Brooklyn, Rory discovers that the briefcase contains a yellowed, typewritten manuscript. Enraptured by the tragic, post-World War II love story of a U.S. soldier in Paris, Rory copies it onto his laptop, prints it out, and shows it to an agent at the talent agency where he works in the mailroom. Almost overnight, Rory becomes a literary sensation. One day, while sitting in Central Park, basking in his fame and fortune, Rory is engaged in conversation by a mysterious old man (Jeremy Irons), the manuscript's real author, who tells him: “We all make choices in life. The hard thing is living with them.” Co-written and co-directed by Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, The Words is a tiresome tale featuring a platitude-filled story-within-a-story structure that defies all logic and reason. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an “Unabridged” behind-the-scenes featurette (9 min.), “A Gentleman's Agreement” segment featuring star Bradley Cooper and writer-directors Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are two brief characters profiles, and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a forgettable film.] (S. Granger)
The Words
Sony, 97 min., PG-13, DVD: $30.99, Blu-ray: $35.99, Dec. 26 Volume 28, Issue 1
The Words
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