A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: The Muse

Date Viewed: 9/19/99

Details:

Albert Brooks

Sharon Stone

Andie MacDowell

Jeff Bridges

Director and producer: Albert Brooks

Score: 1/2

The Review: Fluff, and only mediocre at that. Both the humor and the flow is a bit strained at times, hence my less than glowing evaluation.

A Hollywood scriptwriter (Brooks) who has "lost his edge" ("whatever that means") is introduced by a fellow writer (Bridges, finally in a role where he doesn't stare vacantly into the distance) to an incarnation, an avatar, or an actual muse (the Greek mythological daughters of Zeus) who is sure to inspire Brooks back to the heights of greatness. Apparently this muse (a quirky and vaguely humorous role by Sharon Stone) is bribed into action, or rewarded after successes, by an unending succession of expensive gifts and baubles. Stone's gradual insinuation into Brooks' life, including befriending his wife (MacDowell), is rapid and unpredictable. While there are some curious plot twists, they only partially redeem this comedy.

There are several interesting cameos by noted directors -- including James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and Rob Reiner (they are unnamed, and the viewer is left to puzzle out each from clues dropped like crumbs) -- a few gratuitous stars, and some movers and shakers of the Hollywood periphery (e.g., the chef, Wolfgang Puck).

One of the funniest scenes has nothing to do with the theme of the movie: Brooks' attempts at cocktail party conversation with someone whose grasp of the English language is tenuous, at best.

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