Playing with Giants
Playing with Giants

Movie spotlight

Playing with Giants

1991
Movie
100 min
Arabic

When Hassan Bahlal, a young unemployed man, calls the National Security Agency to report a fire that is to break out in a factory the next day, a new chapter in Hassan's life begins as he tells the officer he has foreseen the incident in a dream.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes62%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users85%
Director: Albert BrooksGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the chaotic and often surreal world of a struggling television producer who inadvertently becomes a pawn in a complex corporate power struggle. As he attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of network television and his own personal life, he finds himself entangled with eccentric executives and a mysterious woman.

Critical Reception

While "Playing with Giants" was not a commercial success, it garnered a cult following over the years for its unique blend of dark humor and existential commentary. Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its unconventional narrative and Brooks's signature wit, while others found it too abstract or meandering. Audience reception has been more favorable in retrospect, with many appreciating its ahead-of-its-time satirical take on media and corporate culture.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Albert Brooks's distinctive comedic voice and sharp satire.

  • Noted for its quirky characters and unconventional storytelling.

  • Some found the plot convoluted and the humor occasionally inaccessible.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's offbeat humor and Albert Brooks's unique comedic style. Many enjoy the satirical commentary on the television industry and find the performances engaging. However, some viewers find the film's pacing slow or its narrative difficult to follow.

Fun Fact

Albert Brooks initially envisioned the film as a more straightforward comedy but found himself drawn to exploring darker, more existential themes as he developed the script.

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