Entertaining film about the Hollywood blacklisting scandal during the 1950's.
Follows the story of a film director (De Niro) who returns from Europe to find Hollywood a little different than when he left. Before he can make his next big film he must clear his name in front of a committee to prove he is not a Communist. Sounds easy enough? Not really. He must agree to name 10 people, most are his friends, who will be charged with being Communists. This list includes his closest friend who is a writer, played by George Wendt. When De Niro's character refuses, his ability to get work vanishes.
I expected more from the acting. De Niro was OK but I was disappointed with Bening, who plays De Niro's ex-wife and the rest of the cast. They all seem very bland, like they are going through the motions. The story drags a little bit when you keep thinking De Niro will never get another job until he decides to agree upon some of these names for the committee. One thing this film does do is expose the foolishness that was going on in Hollywood. Innocent men and woman were put out of work under falsehoods over and over.
Follows the story of a film director (De Niro) who returns from Europe to find Hollywood a little different than when he left. Before he can make his next big film he must clear his name in front of a committee to prove he is not a Communist. Sounds easy enough? Not really. He must agree to name 10 people, most are his friends, who will be charged with being Communists. This list includes his closest friend who is a writer, played by George Wendt. When De Niro's character refuses, his ability to get work vanishes.
I expected more from the acting. De Niro was OK but I was disappointed with Bening, who plays De Niro's ex-wife and the rest of the cast. They all seem very bland, like they are going through the motions. The story drags a little bit when you keep thinking De Niro will never get another job until he decides to agree upon some of these names for the committee. One thing this film does do is expose the foolishness that was going on in Hollywood. Innocent men and woman were put out of work under falsehoods over and over.