MOVIE REVIEW - The Words

Last weekend was one of the slowest weeks at the movies in the last 10 years.  But it's not because of this movie - The Words, which is fantastic.

The Words may be construed as an egg head, maybe a stuffy piece, but that really is not correct.  True, it's a drama about plagiarism in the New York literary world, but it's so much more.   There is no violence, no action, no computer generated effects, and animation.  But there are 20 things here in play that make a movie great.

The Words stars Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, and Zoe Saldana.   A really perfectly cast ensemble for this great story. A well thought out mix of young stars and terrific veterans.  It's the story of a young writer Rory, (Cooper).  He lives in New York and is a struggling novelist.  He is married to Dora (Saldana), and they are cray in love.  Rory tries to get his novels published, but is having no luck.   Everyone loves his work, but tells him it's not marketable.   Rory is incredibly discouraged.   Then he discovers a lost story by accident.   He reads the typed manuscript and is totally enthralled with it. So he submits it, and gets it published as his own not knowing who's work it actually is.

Then an old man surfaces (Irons) and in the twilight of his life confronts Rory that the book is his story.  After Rory wins awards for this novel, the old man is angry because the story was not only written by him, but is his real life story.  All the while, this is the story that another writer named Clay (Quaid) is telling hrough his own novel.  Sound confusing?  It's not.  This is simply brilliant.

This story really attacks the ramifications of plagiarism.  And what it really means in the long run, and what it says about those that choose to do so.   It not only is wrong, but it effects everyone around you. Your character is seriously called into question.  

The Words is a very well told, and an  incredibly well acted and written movie that hopefully will find an audience.  Cooper again shows his versatility as a really great actor outside of The Hangover and The A-Team. Both fun flicks, but not overly challenging.   The supporting cast mentioned is very good as well. But the command performance in this movie belongs to Jeremy Irons.   He is fantastic as the old man  - the writer.  Is he angry?  Is he sad?   What is it that he really wants from Rory? He owns this movie.  This is an Oscar worthy performance.

This story is woven skillfully in and out from a few different story angles.  This script is very slick, and even though it has a few layers, it is easy to follow.   This movie also is just long enough.   It has a story to say, says it,  and moves along.   In a year where comic book movies and animation have been king, The Words is a real breath of fresh air.

The Words.  One of the years best so far.