Customer Reviews

The Muse [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Maybe it's because I had just started reading Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" when I saw The Muse, but I had a different take on it. Others have already synopsized the film, so I'll just say: try watching it and thinking of the Muse (Sharon Stone) as, literally, an artist's creativity. What happens? It makes extravagant demands at inopportune times. It wakes you up at three in the morning because that's when it feels like working. It wants what it wants and doesn't care about your pocketbook, your relationship or your convenience. It gets [ticked] off and leaves if you undervalue it or start doubting it. You worry that others' creativity and success might take away from yours. Your female side (Andie McDowell) is maybe a little more comfortable with it (even thinking she will share a bed with it) then runs away when she sees what she's getting into (better to sleep on a cold, hard floor than to get too close to a real creative life). The writer, told he has lost his "edge" gets into a situation where he's lost his job, can't sell his work--can't even get a meeting--and has to spend prodigiously to support this costly, demanding, maddening, beautiful thing. Desperate, anxious, confused...he sure does get edgy by the end. It's hilarious that the Muse keeps saying to him, "are you writing this down?" She makes him write, even if it's just her shopping list. I enjoyed this film not just for the Hollywood satire, the clever lines and the sparkling performances, but also for its pointed, thought-provoking subtext.

I don't know why everyone is picking on this film so much! I wanted to see it really bad after watching so many previews for it on cable. Finally i bought the DVD on just a whim, and I am so glad I did!

Im not going to supply you with a plot because a lot of reviews already did that. I will say I found the film to be very original and charming. The preformaces by the actors, especially Albert Brooks, are prefectly delivered in this material. In addition, I could not stop laughing at some of the brilliant comedy. It's much better then the gross-out sex gags seen everywhere in cinema today.

Some who see The Muse may not like it because they'll compare it to Brook's other films like Mother or Defending Your Life. But, on the off chance you do enjoy it, you will have found a sparkling comedy gem!

Forget the Sharon Stone of movies like Basic Instinct, Sliver or even Casino. This is an entirely different role and one that might actually change your opinion of her. Albert Brooks - who was also the writer and director of this little film - is a once successful screenwriter amid a career dry spell. At the suggestion of a friend, he seeks to engage the services of a muse, Sarah - Sharon - who demands gifts, living quarters and perpetual adoration. The initial benefit is questionable as Brooks struggles to realize any positive ideas from Sarah while his wife - Andie MacDowell - comes up with a hundred thoughts regarding the relationship between him and his erstwhile source of inspiration.

It's Andie that strikes gold first through the presence of Sarah, leading to comic angst from her husband - and perhaps no one has as much angst as Albert Brooks. Cameo appearances by a number of Hollywood characters playing themselves help to keep your interest through whatever slow spots might bog things down at times. But this is a lovely comedy that will give you enjoyment throughout.

Brooks makes some of my favorite movies. They are intelligent, witty, and usually have a positive message. I thoroughly enjoyed the Muse but it's not as good as "Lost in America," "Defending Your Life," or even "Mother." I wish some his other movies would become available on DVD.

The Muse is a gentle little comedy from Albert Brooks featuring Sharon Stone as a muse that comes at a very high price. What makes this movie special is Sharon Stones performance. She proves she is not just a former model, but a very gifted and talented actress as well. She seems to be picking better roles these days, and staying away from the typecasting. The script is light-hearted and sweet, and always fun to watch. All in all, a very entertaining film that suggests the best muse is the one inside of us.

The first half-hour is fine. Brooks is always at his best when his character is downtrodden or neurotic, and it's easy to sympathize with the screenwriter he plays here--one who's told repeatedly that he's "lost his edge."

But Brooks lets go of his character's misery too quickly ... and the movie never picks up steam from there. The rest of this story--his writer seeks inspiration from a high-maintenance muse played by Sharon Stone--fails to be in any way funny or revealing. It's simply dull, and we sit there waiting for director Brooks to recognize it, too, and turn this dog around.

The problem's pretty basic: Brooks's real-world acts Two and Three have no pop. The summer-blockbuster idea the muse inspires needs to be funny. But it isn't. It sounds dreadful, and increasingly, Brooks's character's problems become Brooks's real-life issues: how to put sizzle into an dry, workmanlike script perked up only by a spirited Stone. (Cameos from James Cameron and Martin Scorcese don't really help; they just highlight the barrenness of the terrain around them.)

Indeed, after that first half-hour, very little works here ... until the ending, which exhibits the flash of inspiration missing from the picture as a whole.

this movie is probably one of my favorites. Screenwriter Stephen Phillips (albert brooks) falls out of favor in the production studio. He hits a wall in his career. His friend (jeff bridges) refers him to the muse (sharon stone) who will inspire him to write the best script he ever wrote. Sarah, the muse, demands many things from Stephen and she is very picky and irritating. His wife Laura(Andie macdowell) becomes very suspicious but then also becomes inspired by the muse. there is also a twist at the end that will make you think! this movie is very smart and very funny. The picture of the DVD isnt as clear as you would expect but it is only a minor flaw. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes good comedy. two thumbs up!!!

In the muse, Albert Brooks is a succesful director who is being
told by everyone that he is losing his edge. But an "inspiring"
woman(Sharon Stone) will help him get it back. It's too good to
be true untill... You see what happens next. See The Muse

This was a overall excellent movie. Albert Brooks is hilarious.
Sharon Stone is "inspiring" Andie MacDowell is charming. Jeff
Bridges is normal. A overall fun and fantastic movie.

Muse:
1. Greek Mythology Any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
2. muse
a. A guiding spirit.
b. A source of inspiration.
3. muse A poet.
Free On-line Dictionary

Hollywood seems so false. Each of us has our own interpretation of Hollywood life, but I can safely assume that behind the glamour is a group of people playing one-upsmanship, trying to outdo the other and using any means to get there. Steven Phillips, played by Albert Brooks is a film writer. Now, Albert Brooks has always been the epitome of irony to me. His acting and comedic skills are so powerful that he has become a favorite of mine. Somehow Albert Brooks is able to convey and project the feelings of a film writer who is on the skids, but doesn't want to face the reality of a Hollywood that has no empathy. He has written 17 films and is comfortable with the company he works for. B ut, he is told by his boss that he has lost his 'edge'. Steven feels he is on the edge now and never lost his. After talking with his agent, Hal, played by Bradley Whitford, he is told that no studio wants him, they all feel he has lost the 'edge'. Steven goes looking for help, and ends up at the home of a fellow writer, Jack, played by Jeff Bridges. Jack reluctantly tells him he has hired a 'muse' to help him through the rough spots. At last Steven meets the Muse, Nicole, played by Sharon Stone and hires her. Sharon Stone steps out of her usual sexpot roles and plays a seemingly, intelligent woman who has wisdom to spare. That is not how this Muse works. Steven must pay handsomely, Muses do not come cheap! As time goes on, Steven's wife comes under Nicole's spell and she and Steven go to great lengths to keep their muse.

This is a light hearted romp through the business of film writing, and we get a look at how Howllywood works. It is not all talent, tricks and under pinnings all play a part in this world. Self confidence can be the name of the game, but we all need a boost every so often. This is not one of Albert Brook's best film, but it is a good one. So, is it better to hire a muse or be one?

Recommended. prisrob 01-23-12

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