The Dying Gaul (2005) - Movie Review

What if I told you there’s a horror movie based off of a hellenistic statue that isn’t a creature feature?

Now, what if I added that there’s no blood, gore, or violence of any kind that appears on screen?

Before you run away screaming,

Let’s discuss.

The Dying Gaul is a 2005 thriller brought to us by acclaimed writer/director Craig Lucas. You may not recognize the name as his filmography is small, but mighty. He has collaborated with major Hollywood stars, such as directing Meg Ryan in the 1992 film adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize winning stage play, Prelude to a Kiss. He also wrote the most iconic and authentic film about the AIDS epidemic in 1989’s Longtime Companion.

So why haven’t you heard of him?

The reason Hollywood would like to portray is that he’s primarily a playwright, and very successful at it. Which is absolutely true. However, there’s a couple other reasons they sweep under the rug. Primarily, he was known to push back against studio censorship, and for refusing to compromise his vision to match cultural norms.

He was groundbreaking in how his works humanized LGBT characters, and wrote them as three-dimensional human beings instead of tired stereotypes. This was a big deal to me, as being a kid who grew up in theater, I always had gay friends who had to hide who they were to prevent being rolled into the HIV/AIDS witch-hunt. Hollywood and the media as a whole were still pandering to the suburbs following the Reagan era. It was the polar opposite of today where it’s the other extreme.

What gets lost in the midst of the battle of the extremes is the normal, everyday people in between. Which is essentially what Lucas’ films are about.

This film focuses on grieving screenwriter, Robert, who is trying to pick up the pieces after losing the love of his life. When his script is picked up by a big-time Hollywood executive, he faces a new battle. He’s flown out to Hollywood at the insistence of the executive, Jeffery and his wife Elaine. Robert thinks he knows what he’s in for, having been chewed up and spit out by Hollywood previously. What he doesn’t realize is that there’s more going on that meets the eye and Jeffery has other reasons for bringing him to the city of angels, and the man is used to getting what he wants. Will Robert rise above the tides of the Hollywood cesspool, or be dragged under like so many others before him?

This film is like 1992’s The Player had a baby with 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley.

And like those films, this one has an incredible ensemble cast including the likes of Peter Sarsgaard, Patricia Clarkson, Bill Camp and one of the most underrated actors of a generation, Campbell Scott. Eagle eyed viewers might also catch a sight of a young Nikita Lyons aka Faith Jefferies, in a small role.

Sarsgaard, Clarkson, and Scott give once in a lifetime performances.

Campbell Scott brings his normal intensity to the role of the high-strung, self-important film executive, but there’s also a vulnerability to his character which is hinted at and exposed in different moments.

While Clarkson brings her perfect mix of Southern Charm and lovable underdogness that she’s known for. Clarkson amazes me, because her entire career is charisma. She might be one of the most likable actresses to appear on screen. I fell in love with her in this movie, which made the film even more tense.

But Sarsgaard gives a performance at a level that I don’t think he’s reached since. As the self-insert for the writer, you can tell he truly embraced his role. Every scene feels organic and his reactions are what most people would do if put in this impossible situation. His performance is heartbreaking, but his character ark is beyond unexpected.

This film is not what it appears.

Nothing you see if ever really true, except the ending. Characters are flawed, broken people, desperately clawing for some form of happiness in the soulless and hollow film industry. Wealth has been her ruin and love is hard to find.

The film essentially exposes your bias to the characters as more secrets are revealed. Many people hated this movie, because it showed that no matter your age, sex, or orientation, that you could become a villain. This is a gritty look at Hollywood and it rings even truer in the modern day with the exposure of Epstein and Diddy.

This is a depressingly dark journey through show business that I watched for too young. This movie affected heavily as a young man, and made question every person who was nice to me. In some ways, it may have saved my life.

This movie isn’t for everyone. There is sex of all kinds, violence to both adults, and children.

It’s a thriller with no on screen violence, but an ending that still takes your breath away.

Unfortunately, the film is not available on any streaming service currently, at least at the time of this writing. Which is a shame, especially considering how relevant it is.

But if you get a chance to watch it, check it out.