Best Seller

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."