Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Rockwell proves that he can play not only eccentrics and villains, but he is also convincing in more serious roles. Despite his convincing performance and Clooney's surprisingly inventive direction, the film gives a somewhat confused impression, although in Kaufman's case we can talk about a relatively "normal" script. It's a pity that the story didn't appeal to me either plot-wise or emotionally enough to make me want to watch it again; once is enough. But very remarkable for a debut, George. (10/29/2005)

I can't help it, but I just wasn't entertained by this film. Apart from the fact that well-known actors and creators are trying to strike a humorously dark note, I simply wasn't entertained, and I wasn't captivated by the style in which the film was told. Clooney isn't a bad director and he maintains the mood of the film until the end, but the characters here feel quite weak to me. (11/23/2016)

A formally incredibly polished toy with that kind of "mwahaha" in the background, which goes a long way toward explaining why in some films you feel like Clooney is looking through the camera a little too much. He's got directorial ideas, a flair for cynicism and irony, a clever way with set pieces (which came in handy in his subsequent, shot-on-the-same-floor-of-a-house Good Night and Good Luck), and plenty of pals for funny cameos. He's just a badass. (03/12/2012)

Clooney proves that he can direct and that he holds a lot of promise to the future. The powerful visuals are one of the main aspects building the atmosphere of this picture, while the long running time is one of the main minus points here. The screenplay by Kaufman is excellent as always, and is supported by outstanding acting performances. A nice surprise here is a solid performance from Drew Barrymore after years of nothing and so it is easy to let yourself be sucked into the biographical fantasy of this at first sight ordinary drama. (05/24/2004)

Imaginative, stylish, fresh, and pleasantly Kaufmanesque. George Clooney is both a full-fledged actor and director. And Sam Rockwell in the lead role is without flaw. Still, there was something lacking in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, something I felt was too unfinished to give it the maximum rating. It's about 4.5 stars. (12/12/2009)