Best Seller

Best Seller is a thrilling crime-drama that was released in 1987. This movie combines crime, suspense, drama, and a tinge of mystery to create a storyline that leaves audiences on the edges of their seats. Best Seller is the result of the remarkable collaboration between director John Flynn, writer Larry Cohen, and a formidable cast led by James Woods, Brian Dennehy, and Victoria Tennant.

The premise of the movie revolves around two central characters, each bound by their different yet intertwined pasts. Brian Dennehy plays the protagonist, Dennis Meechum, a police officer and celebrated author of true crime stories. Meechum's literary inspiration stems from the traumatic on-the-job experience that left him a widower. Audiences are introduced to Meechum during this deadly heist gone wrong in his police precinct. Surviving the traumatic event, Meechum later translates his painful memories into a bestselling book.

A charismatic yet seemingly suspicious character, Cleve, is brought to life by James Woods. He appears in Meechum's life unexpectedly, claiming to be an ex-professional hitman for a corporate behemoth. Cleve, fully aware of Meechum's career as a successful crime writer, proposes an enticing and dangerous gamble. He offers Meechum an opportunity to write a novel based on his past life as an assassin, promising proven facts and dramatic insider details. Woods flawlessly portrays the appeal and air of danger around Cleve, creating a tension that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Victoria Tennant plays a smaller, yet crucial role as Roberta Gillian, the accommodating yet assertive editor catering to Meechum’s writing career. Tennant skillfully balances the subtle peeling layers of her character, creating an interesting dynamic within the story. Although the development of Roberta's character is relatively limited, her presence provides an intriguing subplot that augments the overall plot. Tennant's performance is quietly brilliant in this peripheral role.

Director John Flynn expertly crafts the chemistry between Woods and Dennehy, which plays a key role in setting up the movie's tension and pace. The narrative unfolds as Dennehy's Meechum finds himself caught in a web of doubt, intrigue, and potential danger. In Best Seller, Flynn masterfully explores the questionable extent of trust when a cop-turned-writer teams up with an alleged corporate hitman. As the story progresses, the lines between lies and truths, innocence and guilt continually blur, keeping audiences guessing.

Larry Cohen's scriptwriting and the character development allow both Woods' and Dennehy's performances to shine. Cohen's comedic relief is subtle but effectively placed, softening the intensity without sacrificing the depth and development of the storyline. In a genre that often relies heavily on action and violence, Cohen focuses more on psychological complexity and character development. His script also confronts ethical questions regarding the competition between corporations and the blurred lines between right and wrong when it comes to achieving success.

The movie is accompanied by a music score composed by Jay Ferguson that adds an extra layer of suspense to the narrative. Ferguson's score follows the plot's twists and turns, rising and falling with the tension, effectively contributing to the anxious atmosphere throughout the film.

"Best Seller" can be seen as a fascinating blend of cop drama, psychological exploration, and corporate crime. The story engages audiences by delivering unexpected plot twists and a well-crafted narrative. Each character's performance creates a compelling, mysterious atmosphere that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Although space does not allow for a detailed account of every plot twist and character arc in this remarkable film, suffice to say that "Best Seller" is a captivating crime-drama that you won't want to miss. It showcases splendid performances from its cast, a well-crafted narrative, and intriguing direction, making "Best Seller" a shining example within the crime genre.