The Dying Gaul (2005)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Craig Lucas

Writer (WGA):

Craig Lucas (screenplay)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

A grief-stricken screenwriter unknowingly enters a three-way relationship with a woman and her film executive husband - to chilling results.

Plot Keywords:

Screenwriter | Marriage | Death | Married Couple | Gay Interest

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Patricia Clarkson	...	Elaine Tishop
Campbell Scott	...	Jeffrey Tishop
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Robert Sandrich
Ryan Miller	...	Max Tishop
Faith Jefferies	...	Debbon Tishop
Robin Bartlett	...	Bella
Ebon Moss-Bachrach	...	Olaf
Kelli O'Hara	...	Liz
Dee Dee Flores	...	Emad
Elizabeth Marvel	...	Kelli Cartonis
Don Johanson	...	Male Guest
Bill Camp	...	Malcolm Cartonis
Linda Emond	...	Dr. Marta Foss

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content and language.

Runtime:

USA:101 min | Canada:95 min (Ontario)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:R | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Australia:MA | Singapore:R21 (cut)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Rebel Park Pictures

Trivia:

The film is dedicated to writer/director Craig Lucas's best friend, playwright Tony Kushner.

Quotes:

Jeffrey: Most Americans...
[his phone rings]
Jeffrey: Let's hold all my calls, please, Liz.
[to Robert]
Jeffrey: ...hate gay people. If they hear it's about gay people, they won't go.

Movie Connections:

References Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

Darkest Dark Or Maybe Darker

Hollywood is always a sinister setting, even for a comedy and "The Dying Gaul" is no exception. I don't intend to divulge the ins and outs of the story because that should be your job, but I feel compelled to talk about it because it kind of stacked all over me like some kind of alien jelly. I always loved Campbell Scott and I suspect I always will. He plays the devil - The "I'll give you a million bucks if you abandon completely yourself, your principles, your loyalties" - kind of devil - He is married to the splendid Patricia Clarkson ( part Meryl Streep part Wayland Flower's Madame) and the object of his temptation is Peter Sarsgaard, one of the best creepiest actors ever to appear on film. It may be a personal thing but he gives me the willies. The film is an uncomfortable journey through a strangely familiar landscape that becomes darker and darker. I will take my chances and recommend it.