Review - The Words

Not Required Viewing, But Good “Book Club” Material

Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer that is trying hard to succeed. People have told him that he is extremely talented, but he can’t seem to find a way to get his book published. He has currently found a groove as a mailroom supervisor at a publishing company, not his dream job…but he is in the business. Despite his struggles in his professional life, Rory has a great personal life. His sweetheart Dora (Zoe Saldana) has agreed to marry him and they set out on a honeymoon to Paris. It’s on this honeymoon that Rory finds a bag. It is this bag that will change his life.

Back home in the states, he finds a compartment containing a manuscript. The manuscript is enthralling, and he can’t put it down. Rory is so moved by the manuscript that he wants to feel the words and starts typing it into his computer to experience word for word the experience that has enthralled him. But after Dora finds the file, and encourages Rory to submit it to a publisher, the deception begins. Dora doesn’t know it’s not Rory’s work, and Rory doesn’t let on that the finished product only came through his fingers, and not through his hands.

When the story grows, Rory finds his worst nightmare as an old man (Jeremy Irons) enters the picture. He knows the book is not Rory’s, but what is his motivation? What is this old man after and can it torpedo Rory’s entire life?

The above is all the brainchild of Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid). He wrote the story that Rory and Dora are acting out. Yes it’s a story within the story. Quaid is reading parts of the story to an appreciative audience and we are able to share this journey by what we see on screen. But at this reading he meets the lovely Daniella (Olivia Wilde)who is there to find out more about him. It is on this journey that we learn that truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction, and that words can tell an amazing story.

A talented group of actors lead this story that can confuse if you don’t pay attention. The weaving between reality and fiction is melded with non-fiction and truth. It’s this journey that takes on the important question of plagiarism and if there is ever any time where it is acceptable.

What works here is a cache of great acting talent. Jeremy Irons stands out, as he usually does, as the old man with a past. He is able to make your heartbreak and anger rise in every scene. Working with Bradley Cooper along the way, they play against each other and allow you to appreciate the words in the screenplay. Couple these two with Dennis Quaid as the author that is enjoying his fame and fortune and a wide eyed Olivia Wilde and you’ve got an enjoyable set of actors portraying the characters.

Where the film falls short is that it can tend to wander. The stories need to be fleshed out more. The sequence in Paris is almost an afterthought in its feel and Quaid’s role feels underplayed (though probably as a result of the excellent performance of Irons).

If you’re a book fan, The Words will bring the book experience to the screen. But this one falls short of being a first class classic. Instead of being required viewing, it is closer to “book club” material. But that’s not all bad.

B-

The Words

Sony Pictures

Director: Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Zoe Sladana, Olivia Wilde

Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language and smoking.

Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes