The Dying Gaul - movie reviews and information

Fine acting still can't save 'The Dying Gaul'
by Steve Murray

A key line in "The Dying Gaul," writer-director Craig Lucas' film version of his stage play, comes when a married Hollywood executive puts the moves on a gay man who works for him: "You can do anything you want," he explains, "as long as you don't call it what it is." That kind of doublespeak and deception is explored in the film through a risky triangle that includes Jeffrey (Campbell Scott), the studio exec; gay screenwriter Robert (Peter Sarsgaard); and Jeffrey's wife Elaine (Patricia Clarkson). Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Craig Lucas adapts and directs the screen version of his stage play about Robert, a gay screenwriter who seduced, literally and financially, by Jeffrey, a Hollywood movie studio executive. Robert is then and befriended by the Jeffrey's wife.

FILM FACTS ...

Strand Releasing

'The Dying Gaul'

Director: Craig Lucas
Starring: Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott, Robin Bartlett, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Run time: 105 minutes
Release date: Nov. 4, 2005
Rating: R for strong sexual content and language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: C+
"Too bad the movie isn't up to the actors."

Read the full review

Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"People might, in fact, go to the movies to learn from time to time — but woe to the filmmaker who can't get his message across once they're in their seats."