Influences

This thriller is elevated to the category of slightly above-average thanks to the participation of Al Pacino, who delivers his traditionally strong performance as an aging, washed-up assistant to big media stars, adding 20% to the film's appeal. Among the other actors, Téa Leoni stands out as the decadent film starlet. Unfortunately, the script is not very original, and I've seen at least a dozen films with a similar theme. Overall impression: 60%. (16/07/2006)

Pacino has expanded his usual sufficient range of expressions "nervous, tired, sad" this time with "lightly in the mood" and later with "heavily on edge". However, not even his divine acting is enough to make a better impression, because the plot lacks coherence and interest for most of the time. (16/07/2006)

A lifeless wreck tries to get back to the top. Pacino is perfect, teetering on the brink of breakdown, with the expression of a someone working on autopilot. Won’t we all end up looking like that some time? The story is on the whole average, the power of the powerful and their double lives. If it weren’t for Al’s acting recital, this movie would have nothing going for it. P.S.: Kim Basinger is terribly cute in this. The worst thing in this world, Michael, is to know too much. Better to try and stay naive. That’s better. (25/03/2013)