The Bottom Line
"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" was basically overlooked during its theatrical run but with its impressive assortment of bonus features, "Confessions" will find an audience on DVD.
Pros
- Sam Rockwell is eerily believable as Chuck Barris
- George Clooney doesn't play it safe
- Treasure trove of bonus features
Cons
- Some big-name cameos are simply distracting
Description
- 11 deleted scenes with optional commentary by George Clooney and cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel
- Seven behind-the-scenes featurettes that each focus on a different aspect of the production
- Sam Rockwell Screen Test: Rockwell does three tests including one extended dance sequence
- "Chuck Barris: The Real Story:" Featurette with Barris, his friends, and former co-workers
- Still Gallery
- Five "Gong Show" acts
- Optional feature commentary by George Clooney and cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel
- Sneak peeks at other Miramax films including Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill"
Guide Review - "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" DVD Review
George Clooney, Sam Rockwell and Drew Barrymore deliver in this entrancing look at Barris' mixed up life.
Sam Rockwell channels Chuck Barris as he brings the TV producer/CIA assassin's story to life on the big screen. Directed by first-timer George Clooney, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" is based on Barris' autobiography in which he claims to have been a killer for the U.S. government while working on his famous TV game shows ("The Dating Game," "The Gong Show"). The movie is told from Barris' point of view, with interviews with Barris' cohorts interspersed throughout. The answer to whether or not Barris was indeed a hired gun is posed to the people who knew him professionally, with differing results.
