Movie spotlight
Best Seller
Hit man Cleve approaches writer/cop Dennis about a story for his next book: How Cleve made a living, working for one of the most powerful politicians in the country. To get the story right, they travel around the country to gather statements and evidence, while strong forces use any means they can to keep the story untold.
Insights
Plot Summary
A hitman, disillusioned with his life of violence, decides to anonymously mail his memoirs to a struggling pulp fiction writer. The writer sees this as his chance for a bestseller, but he soon gets drawn into the dangerous world of organized crime and the hitman's past.
Critical Reception
Best Seller received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of its lead actors, particularly James Woods. However, the film's plot was often criticized for being predictable and overly reliant on genre conventions. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the gritty crime thriller elements and others finding it lacking in originality.
What Reviewers Say
James Woods delivers a compelling and intense performance as a hitman.
The film offers a serviceable, if somewhat formulaic, crime thriller narrative.
Victoria Tennant's role as the enigmatic love interest is somewhat underdeveloped.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Best Seller (1987)' is not readily available on Google Reviews. However, its mixed critical reception suggests a film that appealed to some viewers interested in crime thrillers but did not achieve widespread popularity.
Fun Fact
James Woods reportedly improvised many of his more intense lines during the filming of 'Best Seller'.
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