Chuck

I’ve recently (re)watched “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, the first movie directed by George Clooney, based on the controversial autobiography of Chuck Barris.

I believe the movie is a very accomplished premiere for Clooney, well acted and screened. It definitely helps to have Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,…) writing the screenplay.

But the thing that struck me this time was the larger than life, spaced out, character of Chuck Barris (played in the movie by the very talented Sam Rockwell). Wouldn’t you be intrigued by a pop songwriter, tv show creator/producer/host and alleged CIA hitman?

I’ll leave you with a clip from the “Gong Show” (perhaps the most celebrated tv show created by Barris), as well as footage from a screen test of Sam Rockwell playing Barris. 

As a treat enjoy Freddy Cannon performing the Chuck Barris hit “Palisades Park”. The track is on the movie soundtrack which is worth a listen.