This film chronicles the faltering life of once big-time PR man Eli Wurman (Al Pacino, ANGELS IN AMERICA). He only has one more client – Cary Launer (Ryan O’Neal, LOVE STORY), an aging star who parties like a 20-year-old with women in their twenties. One of Eli’s less glamorous duties is to cover up Launer’s indiscretions like bailing out actress Jilli Hopper (Tea Leoni, FAMILY MAN) from jail.
Eli is falling apart. He is taking who knows how many prescription and illegal drugs. His doctor and friend Sandy (Robert Klein, TWO WEEKS NOTICE) is worried about him and so is his little brother’s widow Victoria (Kim Basinger, 8 MILE), who has come to New York to convince him to move down South with her again. In the midst of all of the mayhem, Eli is trying to put together a fundraiser for immigrants where he’s trying to get high-profile businessman Elliot Sharansky (Richard Schiff, TV’s THE WEST WING) and civil rights leader Rev. Lyle Blunt (Bill Nunn, SPIDER-MAN) to appear together.
The film works mainly in two areas – Pacino’s dedicated and stellar performance and the tension filled look at the world of PR. When the film focuses on Eli’s job, it works the best. I felt real tension when Eli was trying to work the room at the benefit to make it a success. I can’t believe what PR people put themselves through. To me it must be hell… and I’m sure Eli would agree to some degree as well.
Where the film hiccups a bit is with a thriller-like conspiracy subplot that didn’t need to be in the film. The drama of the characters had tension enough that the thriller aspects where a waste of time and added contrivance to the tale. However, in the end, the film drew me into its world and I was held there by Pacino. Though flawed, I still feel this film is a solid and compelling look into the treacherous and soul-sucking world of public relations.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
