Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Reviewed by:
Paul Ulane

Chuck Barris led an extraordinary life. Even more extraordinary if you believe everything he put in his autobiography, now adapted loosely for the big screen by rookie director George Clooney in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. But the style and flash from the actor-turned-director overshadow the story, making the film a middling romp through the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s instead of what could have been a fascinating profile. Thankfully, Barris’ story does eventually come to life in the extras. The documentary “The Real Chuck Barris” gets through the movie’s story in roughly five minutes and is almost more entertaining because it comes directly from the man himself along with his contemporaries. A lot of the making-of vignettes are short and to the point, with quick clips detailing research tactics, Gong Show participants, and effects techniques—all of which are more interesting in process than in final product. If you want to hear the story of an amazing man, pick up the DVD or the book—just don’t rely on the movie for more.

Share