It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Barry Primus directed and co-wrote this 'Hollywood insider's comedy' which isn't very inside and is never terribly funny. Robert Wuhl is a struggling screenwriter who, with help from Martin Landau's over-the-hill movie producer, hopes to get his picture made with financial backing from three hot-tempered high rollers; the catch is, each investor wants his mistress to have a part in the film, and all three women prove very difficult to handle. Potentially interesting premise given over to foul-mouthed neurotics who are never as amusing as they're supposed to be. Wuhl, an actor of quicksilver comedic timing, thanklessly plays the incredulous observer here, while the all-star supporting cast loudly plays up the material until the satirical edge flags and becomes cartoonish. Primus' direction is wobbly and uneven, though he gets some amusing facial expressions from Robert De Niro (who also co-produced, for reasons which are unclear). Shabbily edited, and with ungainly cinematography. *1/2 from ****

could be better, could also be worse.. nothing to see if you´re not a fan of Robert de Niro or Martin Landau. I don´t really think Robert Wuhl is such a great actor. He dissapears during the scenes with de Niro and Landau. One reason to see the film is the fabolus scene where Christopher Walken commits suicide after delivering a chilling line. Epic!! well, it was not very bad, but it was nothing new. I prefer "Ed Wood" with Johnny Depp if I wanna see a movie about moviemaking.** out of *****

A sadly underrated movie. Hollywood could not have loved it because of the cruelly true things it says about how movies are made, about how a writer's creative vision becomes corrupted and debauched on its way to the screen. That doesn't sound like a setup for a comedy, but a wonderfully dark comedy it is, with some richly witty dialogue. Landau's performance is superb (he is one of the best actors around), and the descent of Wuhl's character from idealistic writer to desperate self-promoter - a sad journey - is made humorous. Wonderful bits by Eli Wallach, Danny Aiello, and all three mistresses.

Bob Wuhl, never acclaimed because he has little range, actually turns in an excellent performance as a screenwriter who pulls out all the stops to get his script filmed. Martin Landau is his producer, and the money men they find, one of whom is Robert DeNiro in a wonderful role, all want him to cast their mistresses in the film. Although the film is slow at times, excellents performances all around make this worth seeing.